By James Hernandez 

James: Without disclosing injury specifics, is there a chance we see Maggie Manwarren back in the lineup for this weekend's series versus CSI?

Coach Montalto: I fully anticipate Maggie Manwarren being in the lineup this weekend. We have been working with her throughout the past two weeks on strengthening her injury and after a discussion we had I know she's ready to go. I would anticipate her being utilized as the DH (designated hitter) role on Friday.

James: Were you and your coaching staff satisfied with the team's approach at the plate this past weekend against three of the top arms in the SWAC: Lauren Frailey, Kylie Everil and Addie Jensen?

Coach Montalto: I am never satisfied with a weekend where my team only scores two runs out of four games. With that being said, SLCC's pitching staff as a whole is holding a 2.01 ERA on the year. We went up there and put bat on ball, we just ended up hitting them right at people. I will be the first to say that our approach at the plate needs to get stronger and more disciplined.

James: Can you provide our reader's with a brief scouting report of this weekend's opponent the CSI Golden Eagles?

Coach Montalto: CSI is a very good program who brings intensity just like SLCC. They can hit the ball very well so our pitching staff will need to be able to hit the corners and mix their speeds frequently. They also have a majority of freshmen as well so it will be interesting to see how they come out and play.

James: The team had only four errors in four games versus Salt Lake. Are you happy with the team's progress defensively this past weekend?

Coach Montalto: I was very pleased with how our defense showed up this weekend. They brought the rebound mentality that we have been grooming them to have. What I was most pleased about this past weekend was how much this team grew over four days. They matched SLCC's intensity every single inning and every single pitch. When you have a team in the other dugout who are wearing crowns and bunny ears it really lights a fire inside of you. This team stepped up and matched them every single time. They grew as a team as and made plays on defense that they haven't been making all year.

James: Can you talk a little about the challenges of winning on the road in the SWAC, especially with a young team that is experiencing this type of travel for the first time?

Coach Montalto: The challenges you face when you travel take a toll on you. From an eight hour bus ride, to sleeping in a strange bed instead of your own all the way to playing four games against a team that forces you to use every ounce of your energy. What I was impressed with is how this team didn't let those things affect their intensity. Not once did I hear "the bus hurt my back" or "coach I didn't sleep well because I wasn't in my own house". The Coyotes went out there and cheered louder than I've heard them all year. The scores do not reflect the heart this team put into those four games.

James: Shonda Badayos and Jaycie LeBaron were able to significantly cut down on their free passes this weekend (8 total walks in 4 games). Do you feel that is a direct result of them getting more comfortable pitching at the junior college level?

Coach Montalto: I know that's exactly why they were able to cut down their walks. They're finally getting comfortable with the mound and facing this level of hitters. I also told them at the beginning of the week that I was forcing them to finish each game on their own. They needed to work out of whatever situation they put themselves in. I think for a while there they became too reliant on getting pulled out instead of buckling down and getting themselves out of it. The last game Jaycie was battling a pretty rough cough and sickness so that is the only reason she came out of that game.

James: Give us your keys to a productive series this weekend versus CSI?

Coach Montalto:  Match their intensity, win every inning, allow only 21 outs in a ball game and stepping on the field and expecting to win.

James: How much fun is an event like Youth Softball Day this Saturday March 26? What does it mean to you personally to give back to the community and have the opportunity to coach and mentor future generations of softball players?

Coach Montalto: I think it's a great event that we are doing. I'm a firm believer in giving back and what better way to do so! I was born and raised in Las Vegas so my whole career up to college was in this very community. If it wasn't for softball here in Las Vegas I'm not sure where I would have ended up. I give lessons every week to a 10U team and seeing the look in their eyes when I am speaking about hitting is really humbling. 80% of our roster needs to be local athletes, so by doing things like this event we get the softball community more involved in what we are doing as a program. I look forward to seeing the turn out.

Thanks Coach, and as always good luck.  

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