Britney Balderama, Melissa Vilanueva and Jessica Hernandez are all smiles after winning MVL crown
By George Hernandez
The South El Monte girls won their fifth straight Mission Valley League softball title on the last game of the season with a 4-3 win over Arroyo. The win came as a surprise even to Lady Eagles head coach Dean Bunting. The South gals finished 15-4 overall and 14-1 in the MVL.
“I knew we would be in the playoffs, but i thought it was going to be number two behind Arroyo” said Bunting. “I knew it was going to be hard after losing our best pitcher and hitter Reina Gaber, but Demi Nguyen stepped up on the pitching and Salina Gonzales took control at first and started hitting better.”
The team was led by three seniors from last years semi-final team – Jessica Hernandez, Melissa Villanueva, and Britney Balderama.
“It was a hard season. It wasn’t like last year when we didn’t play with heart or didn’t take it serious. The seniors wanted it more,” said Hernandez.
When asked about this year’s team Villanueva said “We thought we were just going to pull it out this year. We tried hard and kept getting better. “
“The season went fast and was a lot more intense than last year. We needed more work, but i hope we do well in CIF. That would be great to get that championship.” said Balderama.
The Eagles first game will be against the wildcard game winner between Mary Star of the Sea and LA Lutheran. Bunting knows if he sees Arroyo again it’s going to be in the championship game and they’ll be ready.
After the playoffs are done and their high school careers are over Hernandez and Balderama will stay teammates and play at Rio Hondo while Villanueva will be at Sacramento State but won’t play softball.
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