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By Arnie Leshin
Joe Alvarez is back where he belongs, although while assisting the late Rosann Noedel, his usual role was as the first base coach.
But after two seasons in the stands as a spectator watching his short, but talented daughter, Cia, bat first and play wherever she was needed, he’s back in a more familiar role after being named the new head coach.
He replaces Billy Purdue, who had a dismal two seasons at the helm. His Lady Horsemen won only 10 of 50 outings, and didn’t call on Joe Alvarez to join his staff. So Alvarez made it to every game with his wife, Leticia, kept statistics and shot some photos.
He is happy with the way the team has responded, and he opens the season with a doubleheader at non district opponent Taos Tuesday.
“They are really hitting the ball,” he says, “and also working hard at practices. Plus, they are excited at how much better they’ve become.”
He loses five seniors, one of which was Claudia Noedel, Roseann’s niece, who played the infield and outfield. Also Santana Garcia, Jodi Gromley, Ciara Mendoza, and Karissa Baca.
But Cia Alvarez, who also played on the state championship volleyball team and was starting point guard on the basketball team, is a valuable returnee. She has played second base, shortstop, centerfield and pitcher. She bats from the left side, is an aggressive bunter, and a threat on the bases. She no doubt fits the role of lead-off batter, and will be the starting shortstop.
There’s also an 8th grader on the roster, Lauryn Pecos, who was the back-up point guard on the varsity basketball team. Presently, she doesn’t have a set position, but she’s athletic and a good addition. Alvarez sees her at second base or in the outfield.
Back for her fifth year is senior pitcher Lynnsey Glidewell, a right-hander who didn’t pitch much in her early years, and was a reserve in right field.
Now she’s the team’s most experienced hurler, and Alvarez and sophomore Athena Archuleta, will also work the circle and play third base.
Also filling the 12-player roster are sophomore Rachel Morgan, senior Michelle Salazar, senior Reyna Leyba, sophomore Athena Archuleta, sophomore Autumn Bonal, sophomore Remy Feathers, freshman Charize Johnson, and fteshman Isabella Lopez.
Johnson, Bonal and Feathers are all first-timers, but Alvarez says they are adopting well to the sport, and he’s to happy to have them. And he’s glad to return to the field and coach a program that he’s very familiar with.
Morgan, Leyba and Archuleta played some outfield last season, Michelle Salazar played first, third and centerfield, left the team at mid-season last year, but is back. Leyba will do the catching. Morgan is the sister of senior varsity football and basketball player Dominic Morgan, and will probably be minding second base.
“They’ve been crushing the ball in practice”, he says, “and my older daughter, Audriana, a recent graduate of New Mexico State, has got them on a weight program and says they are putting plenty of work and effort into it. She’s also the strength coach as one of my assistants and played for
Roseann.”
The other assistants are Kathy Yardman, a sports official, Jolene Bvaltna, an assistant with the state-championship volleyball team, and Valerie Catanach, a former Lady Horsemen player. And head coach Alvarez had assisted Noedel for five seasons.
“I’d say they are three times better than last year,” Alvarez adds, “and they are taking more cuts than last year.”
