Mounties Ride Lovell’s Arm to New Heights

Who’s the best Division VI softball team in the region?

The safe bet has usually been Cornerstone Christian, which has won consecutive Southern Section titles.

This season, however, it might be Montclair Prep.

The Mounties (9-2) climbed to No. 2 in this week’s division rankings after defeating defending Delphic League champion Whitney, 2-0, last week. Cornerstone Christian, which had been ranked No. 1, fell after being swept in an April 1 doubleheader against Linfield.

Montclair Prep, seeking its first league championship, has had a solid offense but is a serious contender thanks to the arm of pitcher Monique Lovell.

The Kentucky-bound senior right-hander has allowed only one earned run in 66 innings and has hurled perfect games against Marlborough and Sacred Heart.

“She’s legit,” said co-Coach Greg Reece. “I’ve had several girls go on to play Division I and I’m telling you she can play.”

Lovell (9-2) transferred from Simi Valley before her junior season and earned second-team All-Southern Section recognition.

Last summer, she committed herself to weight training and has added about five mph to her fastball.

It’s helped her strike out 87 and hold opponents to a .085 batting average.