SPORTS
By Mitch Lehman

The scores at right have been thoroughly checked and verified, and San Marino High School’s place atop the San Gabriel Valley’s varsity softball teams is no mirage either.
Yes, the Lady Titans are 6-0 and have outscored their opponents by an astounding aggregate of 97-10.
But nine-year veteran Mitch Dimkich is more impressed with how the Lady Titans are getting it done and he also knows that South Pasadena would love to rain on San Marino’s parade as soon as tomorrow, when Rio Hondo League play opens in Tiger Town.
“Our true test comes tomorrow,” said Dimkich. “When we play South Pasadena and Temple City, we will see what we are made of. South Pasadena and Temple City have a lot of club players and that is the difference. But we are eleven strong and this group is exceptional. We have excellent chemistry among the team and are very close-knit. When you have a great attitude like we do, you can succeed. It’s our #1 ranking to lose and we have to keep it. These kids really support each other. But the most important component is our tremendous attitude.”
And in the game of softball, it doesn’t hurt to have a tremendous pitcher.
Senior Corinne Meyerson has surrendered only 14 hits and seven runs while fanning more than sixty enemy batters in the first six contests – all wins on her docket. Meyerson also has a no-hitter to her credit in 2008.
“Corinne transferred in from Mayfield as a freshman, had to play a year on junior varsity as a sophomore and she has made a tremendous impact so far this year,” said Dimkich. “She is an excellent pitcher with great control and she mixes her speeds up very well. Corinne is the real deal.”
At the plate, Meyerson also leads the team in doubles.
Devin May, a sophomore, is finding a home at catcher.
“Devin is a real power hitter and has a great arm,” Dimkich said. “She suffered an ankle injury earlier but is back for league.”
Senior Catherine Shelburne catches and plays first base.
“Catherine has good power,” said Dimkich. She has three doubles, five RBI and is swinging a hot bat.”
First baseman Kelsey Buckner, is a hot-hitting, slick-fielding freshman.
“Kelsey is a very good player,” said Dimkich. “She has an excellent attitude and is very coachable. Kelsey is playing at the level of a junior and is continuing to improve.”
Buckner is currently second on the team in doubles, RBIs and triples.
Sophomore Catherine Barth holds down the second sack.
“Catherine continues to be a strong player with excellent defensive skills.” said Dimkich. “She is leading off for us at the plate and providing quite a spark. Defensively, she is one of the best players in the league.”
Sophomore Jillian Rubin is the new girl at shortstop.
“Jillian stepped into the starting shortstop position this year and has shown tremendous improvement,” said Dimkich. “She has a great attitude and typifies the great spirit of mutual support this team possesses.”
Senior Lisa Handayan, a senior, is wrapping up an outstanding four-year varsity career.
“Lisa dislocated her ankle in the very first inning of the very first game last year and was lost for the season,” Dimkich said. “She has worked hard to return to her high level both offensively and defensively. Lisa has been a real treat to have in the program.”
Handayan hammered two triples and scored twice during the Lady Titans’ 13-2 win over Alhambra. She also provides mature leadership to the team.
Senior left fielder Emily Barth continues to be one of the stronger hitters in the program.
“Emily is also a great defensive player and has a very strong arm,” Dimkich said. “She is off to a great start and we are looking for her to have a great senior year.”
Barth has three doubles with seven RBI in the first five contests.
Junior centerfielder Catherine Tricker was all-Rio Hondo League in 2007 and is bouncing back from a sore arm.
“Catherine has excellent defensive skills and is probably our best baserunner,” said Dimkich. “She is also an excellent bunter and her hitting is getting better every day. We are looking forward to seeing her put it all together.”
Sophomore Victoria Drake is showing promise in right field.
“Victoria has been a real pleasant surprise,” said the coach. “Her defensive skills continue to improve and she is getting better every day at the plate. Victoria is also very coachable and has a strong positive attitude. I anticipate her having a very good career here at San Marino High School.”
Sophomore Laura Wilson gets some playing time in the outfield and is also the designated pinch runner.
“Laura has a lot of potential,” said Dimkich. “She has a great arm, great speed and we are looking forward to bigger and better things from her in the next few years at San Marino High School.”
But the future is now for the Lady Titans, who have an opportunity with a capital ‘O’ to take advantage of their early momentum and the proverbial “rebuilding years” at both Monrovia and La Cañada.
“I think this team has an excellent attitude, a great deal of ability and it is nice to see them acknowledged for their dedication and hard work with that the #1 ranking,” said Dimkich.
The Lady Titans have not made a playoff appearance since the spring of 2004. They will need at least a third place finish to earn a return trip in 2008.
Temple City and South Pasadena should provide the biggest competition, but anyone would be a fool to look past anyone in the five-team league.
“We have the ability to compete for the title,” said Dimkich. “Our first big challenge comes tomorrow when we travel to South Pasadena. La Cañada and Monrovia are in rebuilding years. But South Pasadena and Temple City are aided greatly by their many club players. But we have a great chemistry and are supported by a great attitude. When you have this kind of mix you can compete for the championship in any sport. I have been so impressed by the way the girls support each other and stay so positive. It’s important to realize, though, that we have never really been behind or faced adversity. It will be imperative that we demonstrate that same support and keep that same positive attitude when we get into a tough game or have some calls go against us. That’s when we will see what we are made of and I think this group has enough character to remain positive no matter what we face.”