No more kidding around
Young Grizzlies ready to make mark at state championships

By: Ray Rodriguez
Argus Observer
Wednesday, May 13, 2009 10:46 AM PDT

ARGUS OBSERVER FILE PHOTO Fruitland coach Joe Gastanaga (middle) gathers his team together in this Argus Observer file photo taken during the 3A District III championship game. The young Grizzlies embark on a new challenge Thursday against undefeated Sugar-Salem at the 3A state tournament in Kimberly.

Fruitland—Fruitland head coach Joe Gastanaga and his Fruitland Grizzlies are the new kids on the block at the 3A state tournament, and the first test for the group is an undefeated Sugar-Salem team starting at 5 p.m. Thursday at Kimberly High School.

The Diggers, winners of the 3A Mountain Rivers Conference, are making their first state appearance since 2004, have an 18-0 record and breezed through district play, outscoring opponents by a 31-2 margin.

Blessed with the pitching of Kimber Choffin, who has tossed seven shutouts this season, and a free-swinging offense, led by Sophia Hepworth, the Diggers have outscored their opponents, 179-19.

“Sugar-Salem, they have dominated their conference,” Gastanaga said. “They have a strong pitcher and a couple of good bats. It should be a real good game. Hepworth is their shortstop and cleanup hitter. From what I have been hearing, she is one of those special players and one of the best in the state. Choffin is a very accurate, hard-working girl who has presence on the mound and throws a good changeup.”

So far this season, Fruitland has a record of 24-3, last losing 8-4 to Payette in the district championship game.

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After the game, Gastanaga said his team losing was not necessarily a bad thing, but a good thing for team experience.

“It has opened their eyes. They have to realize that every game is important. After a tough week of practice, they’re refocused and are moving forward in more of a diligent manner. They’re very excited. They’re looking forward to going over there and putting up their best performance.”

The Grizzlies, who boast a young, energetic team that has pounded out 44 home runs, 66 doubles and 13 triples on the year, has a .424 team batting average.

On the year, Fruitland has scored 323 runs for an average of 12 runs a game.

Sophomore slugger Jarica Martarano leads the team with a .566 batting average and has knocked out a team-leading 11 home runs.

Freshman Cheyenne Barger is second on the team with a .537 average with seven home runs. Another freshman, Jandee Carlson, has a .482 average with eight home runs.

From the top of the order in Stephanie Rule, who has a .500, to the bottom of the order in Reba Daws (.385), the Grizzlies pose a threat from any spot.

Gastanaga likes the balance his team shows.  

“We got eight kids in the last six games that are hitting over .400,” he said. “The offensive production is spread out. For opposing teams, it is a matter of who do you pitch too? Hopefully, we can get the hits at the right time from different people.”

Offense is just one part of the equation for Fruitland, but another part has Gastanaga feeling extremely confident — pitchers Tara Hutchinson and Alyssa Alvarado.

Hutchinson has an 18-2 overall record, while Alvarado is 6-1 in spot starts and relief appearances.

Both have allowed three runs or less in 18 different games, and the duo has combined for six shutouts.

“We will ride the arm of Tara. She’s going to be a horse for us. Hopefully she can be dominant for us on the mound,” Gastanaga said. “She’s proven to be tough throughout the year. She’s definitely one of the stronger attributes of our team. Alyssa has also stepped up for us, and she’s a heck of a No. 2 to have in the dugout. She’s a solid pitcher. She could be a No. 1 starter on a lot of teams.”

All the stats and comparable numbers aside, now it is a matter of stepping on the field and performing.

Gastanaga is optimistic his team will put its best foot forward.

“It really doesn’t matter who is out there; we have to play solid ball,” he said. “It is down to the top eight teams in state. Every team is a formidable opponent. We have to be extremely  focused on the task at hand, hit the ball like we have been hitting and play some tough defense. They’re a young core, but they all have been subjected to summer ball and multiple tournaments. They have felt the pressure of tournament play, so they are all comfortable. Hopefully, we can go out there and make a strong showing and let everyone see how softball is played on this side of the state.”