Southern Section Softball Playoffs : Laguna Hills’ Melendrez Withstands the Pressure

When you’re down to the last game of your season, timing is everything.

Some athletes fall flat, succumbing to the pressure, and the big hit or big play just isn’t there. Others rise to the occasion, not only playing to their potential, but beyond.

Margo Melendrez of Laguna Hills High School falls into the latter category. The starting pitcher on the Laguna Hills softball team, Melendrez has picked the perfect time to peak, not only as a pitcher but as a hitter.

Melendrez is 7 for 11 in the Southern Section 2-A playoffs and has allowed only five hits in three straight shutouts, leading her team to today’s semifinal against Corona at Alicia Park at 3 p.m.

“She’s really doing everything at exactly the time we wanted,” Coach Cary Crouch said.

Last year, Melendrez played for Capistrano Valley High School, but her family moved to Laguna Hills. The Hawks, last year’s 2-A co-champions with Woodbridge, had lost their starting pitcher, Dawn Roberts, who graduated. Melendrez, a junior, stepped in to fill the role.

Melendrez had a 15-8 record during the season and hit .308. Consistent, but not spectacular. Laguna Hills (19-9) finished second in the Pacific Coast League, splitting its two games with league champion Woodbridge.

But in the first round of the playoffs, Melendrez pitched a 2-hitter and went 3 for 4 in a 4-0 victory over Pomona Catholic.

In the second round, Melendrez pitched another 2-hitter and again went 3 for 4 with a 3-run home run in Laguna Hills’ 6-0 victory over Saugus.

In the Hawks’ quarterfinal victory over Santa Fe, Melendrez threw a 1-hitter, and her one hit drove in the winning run in the first inning.

“She’s been really consistent. She’s playing really hard with extra intensity,” Crouch said.

“I’m a lot more aggressive at the plate,” Melendrez said. “I really want to win.”

Melendrez knows what it’s like not to win. Last year, Capistrano Valley lost in the first round. She’s found that winning is a lot more fun.

“I’m really looking forward to the (semifinal) game,” Melendrez said. “I’m having the best time right now.”