MPC softball

 The Lobos will get out of their element Saturday when they face a program with southern section roots in Cuesta in a doubleheader.
 The defending Coast Conference champion Lobos have jumped out to a 14-3 start this year, opening conference play with a win over Cabrillo.
 MPC is hitting .371 as a team with Serena Castaneda tearing up pitching, hitting .512. The one-time North Salinas standout has driven in 19 runs in 16 games.
 Carmel grad Lauren Salvati and Seaside product Marielle Tuazon are both hitting over .400 along with pitcher Sally Bowles, who leads the team with 22 runs batted.
 The conference Pitcher of the Year last year, Bowles didn't receive a lot of plate appearances last year for MPC.
 In the circle, the Atascadero graduate is 6-1 with 43 strikeouts in 43 innings, sporting a 1.62 earned run average. Teammate Shayla Castaneda is 6-2 with a 2.03 ERA.
 Eight of the nine starters from last year's 30 win team are back for MPC, including Jordyn Turner, who moved behind the plate this year to shore up the defense, while hitting .382.