SPRING INTO ACTION

As the dark days of winter and its accompanying rains turn to long, sunny spring afternoons, high school athletics move from indoor courts to outdoor fields, tracks and pools. As the spring sports season gets set to kick off, here’s what to expect at La Jolla High School, La Jolla Country Day and The Bishop’s School.Baseball

La Jolla Country Day lost a trio of stars to graduation from a team that finished sixth in its division last season. The Torreys may not have the pitching depth they boasted a year ago, but do possess a deep lineup.

They’ll be led by senior captains Sean Huffman, Nima Eftekhary and Cody Smith. Huffman will pitch and play outfield, and the other two will anchor the infield defense.

“They are all great leaders, and all three had good defensive seasons last year,” Torreys Coach John Edman said.

Seniors Jonas Krant and Eric Mothander are also expected to contribute in the infield. Huffman and junior Michael Saleh will likely lead a pitching staff that could include freshmen Kyle Reese and Greg Wisenberg.

The Bishop’s School has a new coach in Al Gomez, and he’s eager to get his debut season under way.

“This will be a bit of a learning year for myself and the players,” he said. “It will take some time for the guys to learn my program.”

Gomez is counting on the contributions of a large and talented junior class. Junior catcher Andrew Fowler could be among the best backstops in the Coastal Conference, and the Knights are expecting big things out of junior outfielder Brendan Walsh.

Junior pitcher/third baseman Spencer Beer-Mulroy will also be counted on to contribute.

His brother, sophomore Collin Walsh, is a switch-hitting shortstop who will likely serve as the Knights’ leadoff hitter.

Softball

La Jolla Country Day advanced to the quarterfinals round in the playoffs last season, and hopes to go deep in the postseason again this year on the strength of its pitching. Junior Ally Berenter returns to the circle after a season in which she was named to the all-league and all-CIF-San Diego Section teams.

“It’s a great feeling to have her back,” Country Day Coach Corinne Brunn said.

Senior catcher Jennifer Brainerd is also back, giving the Torreys a formidable battery, and Brunn said the team has a group of incoming freshmen that has shown promise.

La Jolla High School has a new coach - Summer Ehrsam - who played collegiately at San Diego State and brings an ambitious and energetic approach. She has a group of players she is counting on to return the Vikings to the postseason.

Senior Roxy Lambert is La Jolla’s top pitcher, and junior Collette Abbott is expected to pitch some and play shortstop once she recovers from an injury.

Junior third baseman Jillian Beed brings a big bat to the lineup, and junior Christy Becker is expected to be a run producer as well.