by 
San Manuel Miner
The 2013 State Champion Miners’ softball team is ready to defend its title with the 2014 season on the horizon. The Miners begin the defense of their title on Feb. 26, 2014.
Head coach Deanne Brewer enters her third-season leading the Miners’ softball program. The Miners return the majority of last year’s roster this season. Only 2013 graduate Ana Estrada will not return. With the large number of players returning with championship experience, the Miners have a chance to repeat as State Champions.
“We are looking forward to an outstanding season, however, we know that this is a new year and we have a lot work to put in,” Brewer said in an email to The Miner.
The Miners will compete in Section VI this season as opposed to Section II last season. The change means they’ll face some different teams they may not played before.
The strength of the Miners is their offense, as they are good hitting club. Coach Brewer said the versatility of her players allows for the team to “maintain a tough defense.”
Brewer said the focus of the preseason will be in developing new pitchers and catchers. She also wants to improve the speed on the bases.
Brian Brewer, Angela Sierra, and Bethany Smith will assist Coach Brewer this year.
Returning players from last year are: Alyssa Cuellar, Nicole Encinas, Felicia Gomez, Mariah McBride, Felicia Medina, Mireya Tamayo, Mackenzie Vindiola, Lyana Waddell, Angelica “Jelly” Zuniga, Ashley Vargas, and Victoria Ortega.
The Miners scrimmaged Eloy on Feb. 24 before opening at Patagonia on Feb. 26. The opener is scheduled is scheduled to start at 4 p.m.
Andrew Luberda began writing for Copper Area News Publishers (CANP) in February 2013 after working 15 years in Healthcare Financial Management. Andy covers sports for 11 high schools. His stories are published in Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner and Superior Sun, in addition to the San Tan Valley Daily PRSS and CopperArea websites. Additionally, he has written human interest stories and business profiles. In May 2012, he earned an AAS in Sports Management at Central Arizona College before graduating with a BS in Communication from Arizona State University in 2014. He and his wife, Kelli, have three sons – AJ, Kyle, and Kade.
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