As a reminder we practice tonight at Lutheran (the field by Scripps Hospital) from 6:30 to 8. It would be great if the players arrived by 6:10 to 6:15 to start warming up. We then practice from 6:30 to 8:30 Wednesday at CSP 3 and from 6:30 to 8:30 Thursday at CSP. The pizza party-car painting kickoff party is also Thursday.

Here is the pool play for the San Dieguito Memorial Day Classic.

We start the tournament Friday with a 5:30 p.m. game against North Shore on CSP 1. Please have the players at the fields ready to warm up by no later than 4:15 p.m.

We continue pool play on Saturday with a 9 a.m. game against Imperial Valley on CSP 1. Warm-up will begin at 8 a.m. Our third pool game is at 12:40 p.m. against San Marcos, also on CSP 1. We will begin our warm-ups at 11:30 a.m. How we perform in pool play determines where we begin the single-elimination bracket play on Sunday afternoon-evening.

I will use the Memorial Day Classic to further define our team. The players who did not get as much game time last week will see more this week. I may bat the line-up but reserve the right to make this decision at game time. As we saw, when we don't hit, players down lineup do not get a chance to show what they can do in the competitive game environment.

This team will be practicing hard this week. We need to vastly improve our bunt defense, having outfielders move to the ball before it arches down, infielders keeping their bodies low and gloves in front of them, and - most important - on offense bunting with confidence and hitting with regularity.

The 5-run inning against Santee is a good indication of what this team can do when it clicks. We have power and speed. But we need confidence and determination to hit the ball every time. And we must end the bad habits that carry over from rec play, such as chasing bad pitches (which demonstrates a lack of discipline while hitting) and turning our bodies to field a grounder (must keep the ball in front of us).

Our pitchers will be working hard to keep the ball low, hitting the outside and inside corners. We saw what happens when our pitchers get the ball up into the power zone. We also have to drastically cut back the number of walks we surrender. We absolutely cannot allow so many base runners to have free passes.

I used the Oceanside tournament to see what kind of team we had. I figured one of two scenarios would occur: We would start off hot against a weak opponent and gain momenteum. Or our deficiencies would be exposed, showing where we have to work. The second occurred. Am I discouraged? Absolutely NOT! Having coached all-stars before, I know it takes time for a team to meld together. And the young ladies must realize they now need to work harder and smarter to get their fundamentals up to tournament level play.

I expect we will see a stronger, more confident team this weekend. I want this squad to "peak" at the division qualifier. I watched the teams we played last weekend and was not overwhelmed by the competition. We can play with these teams. We must improve our focus and determination. SDYS teams tend to get sidetracked, which then allows an opponent to break open a game. Every pitch, every opportunity to field a ball, every swing of a bat, must be taken with the attitude that the game is tied in the seventh inning and that next play will decide who wins and who loses.

Our young ladies must develop this "I am the best" attitude. Those who do, and then bring the necessary skills on offense and defense, will earn significant playing time. The others will contribute to the team in other ways.

I want to share two perspectives. I admit I am a demanding coach. I am NOT as intense as those who coach other sports (look at competitive or tournament soccer) or from other programs (can you say PQ?). But I expect routine, fundamental plays to be that - routine and fundamental. The coaches are working hard to bring the young ladies' skills up to this level. As head coach, I will not allow them to regress during a game. Look at the other programs. Their players do not make these mistakes to the degree we do. Why? Because they stress fundamentals in the rec program. Next time your daughter is on a team, see what that coach expects and teaches. I do not allow my players to swing at bad pitches (Darth Vadar) with a simple, "You'll do better next time." No, your lack of focus hurt the team and especially the young ladies who care about the results, who are trying to improve and master their skills.

Bill Gates, during a recent speech to high school graduates, allegedly gave his 11 rules of life. Rule No. 1 is basic: "Life is not fair - get used to it!" I cannot and will not treat 14 players equally because they are not equal. Some are better than others. Some are more fundamental than their teammates. Some can play specific positions that others cannot. This is the challenge of being an all-star coach - blending players who are not versed at specific positions. Only 9 players can be on the field at one time.

While I was coaching third, I overheard the Santee coach tell the young ladies on his bench: "Ladies, stay focused and watch the game. I know it sucks that you are not on the field. Not everybody can be. So be good at what you do. Take pride in your role on the team." This is a benchmark of a developing team. Was Santee a great team? No way. Would we beat Santee in a rematch? Probably. But we need to understand that we are a team and, in that structure, every player has a different role. As a parent, I know you want your daughter to succeed. But I do not have 14 starters. Every player - my daughter included - has some flaws in their fundamentals. Why was Santee able to bunt successfully 90 percent of the time? Because they work hard at it and take bunting seriously. Our success rate is under 10 percent. That statistic is pathetic. If you cannot bunt you cannot win in softball. I want players who show BWA - bunts with attitudes! A batter must also know to open up their strike zone when they have two strikes on them. We looked at way too many pitches. "But coach, I thought it was just outside." WRONG - you swing at those to protect your strike zone. The strike zone is not the plate but what the umpire calls. It changes with each ump and, believe it or not, throughout a game.

(While on the subject of umpires and the game against Santee: The plate umpire clearly said the time limit for bracket play was one hour thirty. He then changed it to one hour fifteen late in the game. It contested my protest. Later, when the Santee coaches told him to made the mistake, he was humble and apologetic. What his mistake did was alter my strategy. I was playing for one extra inning when my top of the order would be up. I was set to change my pitcher and throw their batters off. This plan washed out when he called the game. This is the strategy and tactics that go on during a game that many parents don't see.)

By the time the Memorial Day tournament concludes, I will know who will play what role on this team. I am searching for somebody to step up and show me they are a tournament-quality third baseman. I am looking for three outfielders who communicate with each other and will catch every ball possible. Those they cannot get to will be kept in front of their bodies to minimize the hit to a single.

I wanted to take this moment to update you on the team. I will do this periodically. Remember, we are looking to peak at district. I truly believe this squad can win SDYS' first division title. But coaches can only coach. It is the players who catch the ball, throw the ball, hit the ball, bunt the ball, catch fly balls …. As a parent and as a fan, encourage them to play hard and to PLAY FUNDAMENTAL!

Coach Dennis