And thanks to senior hurler Melissa Mullins, the Los Gatos Wildcats should be competitive and then some in the 2004 spring season.

Mullins isn't just a good pitcher, she's one of the best pitchers around, according to Gatos coach Marlo Ann Cortese.

"Melissa Mullins looks very strong and will be one of the best pitchers in the Central Coast Section," said Cortese.

She'll get no argument on that score from the other coaches in the De Anza Division of the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League—they already know what they're dealing with.

Mullins was picked the Most Valuable Player in the division last spring, and she was the Most Valuable Defensive Player as a sophomore.

The senior fireballer is one of three returning all-leaguers from a Los Gatos club that posted a 17-12 record a year ago, finishing third in the division and advancing to the CCS playoffs.

Sophomores Kyrie Timbrook and Camille Cardinale also return this spring after winning post-season honors last year.

"We graduated two seniors last year and have a very talented 2004 senior class stepping up," said Cortese. "The team has incredible versatility this year."

"We should be a strong contender for the league championship," added Cortese. "The team has already set goals and hopes to achieve a league championship and a CCS berth."

Heading up those hopes is Mullins, who returns this spring after posting a 16-11 pitching record with a low 1.15 earned run average last year. She struck out 166 batters and had a no-hitter among her seven shutouts. Opposing batters could hit for just a .162 average against her.

A year earlier, Mullins' numbers were even more impressive. She notched a 20-10 record with a microscopic 0.97 ERA. She struck out 166 and had four no-hitters and 13 shutouts. At one point in 2002, she had a string of 45 scoreless innings in league play.

"Melissa is one of the best pitchers in the valley," said Cortese. "She works hard each day at practice and enhances her ability with her dedication."

Timbrook moves to catcher this season after winning an all-league spot at second base in 2003. She hit .282 and posted a .958 fielding percentage around the keystone sack. She'll behind the plate to become Mullins' batterymate this year, taking the place of the graduated Katie Ferrera.

Cardinale is back in the outfield after winning an all-league second team position as a freshman. "She's the team's lead-off batter and has great speed on the bases, quickness in the outfield and can also hit for power," said Cortese.

Senior Lindsay Funston is back at first base for the Wildcats. "She did an outstanding job in a very challenging position," said Cortese of Funston. "She has great strength in her bat and we really look for her to be a threat this season."

Junior third sacker Emily Augustine is back in the same position this season for the Cats. "She already looks like a natural this season," said the coach. "In her freshman season she was voted an all-league honorable mention for her outstanding hitting. We're looking to her this year to be our clean up hitter. She should do an awesome job."

Sophomore Liz Rose moves from the outfield to take over the job at shortstop. "Liz has great range for the middle infield with great agility and quickness," said Cortese. "She's going to be a big part of our defense as well as offense this year."

Newcomer Lindsay Zullo, a freshman, is a top prospect on the Gatos diamond. She could be the heir-apparent to Mullins' pitching position, but the youngster can provide much more.

"In practice she has already proven to be more than a pitcher, but an all-around athlete," said Cortese of Zullo. "We're excited to have a player of her caliber on the varsity squad this year."

Courtney Tanguay, Amy Hendrickson and Stacey Cushman are other top newcomers who have moved up from the JV team to join the varsity this spring. "With the addition of these talented athletes to blend with a core of very talented veterans, we're very confident this team will excel," said Cortese.

The Wildcats will be home for two games this week when they host Oak Grove on March 18, 6 p.m., and St. Francis on March 20, 7 p.m.