How did this happened? How do we fix it?
A generation had past since the last time Monterey was turning in uniforms before the playoffs.
Yet, in looking back at last spring, signs of a resurgence were already developing.
The Toreadores closed last season by winning four of their last five games, missing the playoffs by virtue of a season ending loss to Monte Vista.
Seven returning starters got a taste last year of being in pressure filled games and responded.
This is virtually the same group back in the dugout, minus the growing pains, as the core from last season was built around three freshmen and four sophomores.
Monterey, who visits Salinas today, has rattled off four consecutive wins for the second time in its last 10 games to move into second place in the Gabilan Division.
You can't point to one player or one game as a turning point. Instead, it has been a collective team effort that has turned the programs fortunes around quickly.
Of course, he doesn't hurt having a holdover from Monterey's last postseason team in senior Jack Bailey, who has won three of his last four starts on the hill, providing much needed leadership.
Justin Deal and Chas Brown have followed Bailey's footprint on the mound, getting ahead in the count by throwing strikes, limiting their walks.
The lineup continues to see different players produce, starting with Michael Carnazzo and his team leading 26 hits and 13 runs batted in.
Sophomore Michael Mugan has provided power at the plate while Deal, Joey Pinto, Stevie Bull and Po'okela Moana having had clutch hits during the Toreadores last 10 games.
What the Toreadores have done in the last 10 games is find ways to win, posting a 7-2 record in games decided by two runs or less.
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