By Frank Smith
The San Manuel Lady Miners will look for improvement in the 2013 campaign. Fourteen-year head coach Deanne Brewer, along with assistants Brian Brewer, Bethany Smith, and Angela Gillis, will look to improve on last year’s 9 – 3 Section record.
This years’2013 Lady Miners squad consists of Seniors Analisa Estrada – 3B/OF; Angel Darby – 1B/3B/OF; Juniors Mackenzie White – 1B; Angelica Zuniga – CF; Sophomores Mireya Tamayo – 2B; Alyssa Cuellar – SS/3B/P; Crystal Sanchez – 1B/OF; Felicia Medina – C/3B/SS ; Freshmen Nicole Encinas – P/OF; Ashley Vargas – 1B/OF; Mariah McBride – C/SS; Lyana Waddell – P/3B/SS.
“We have a very young yet talented team,” head coach Brewer said. “Most of our players can play in multiple positions, allowing flexibility in our lineup.”
The team lost last year’s starting shortstop Kadi Monfred due to an ACL tear and Alyssa Cuellar broke her ankle in a softball tournament the weekend before the season started. Alyssa is hoping to return within the next two weeks.
The Lady Miners also lost a few graduating seniors: left and center fielders Alexis Garcia and Rikki Dominguez, as well as starting pitcher Emmy Lou Clark.
“We have a lot of work to do in the outfield, but we are confident that the girls will be able to do a great job out there,” Brewer said.
The Lady Miners took on St. Augustine, competed in the Wickenburg Invitational, and hosted Empire. San Manuel traveled to Hayden on Tuesday and will make the trip to Globe today for a 4 p.m. start.