By BRENT SHAVER, Staff Writer

Irvine World News

Junior Michelle Katz wasn't the Woodbridge softball team's No.1 or No. 2 starting pitcher to open the season. 

Thrust into the role due to injuries, she is performing like a top pitcher now.

"Since she has been in there, she has really picked up the team," Woodbridge coach Alan Dugard said.

Katz started the year as a back-up third baseman, first baseman and catcher.  But she had no problem stepping into the circle when needed. 

By TIM BURT, Sports Editor

Irvine World News

Woodbridge High's softball coach got a lift Saturday when Coach Alan Dugard returned to the dugout for the second game of the Woodbridge/Victory Classic at Bill Barber Park. 

Dugard, who is recovering after a gastrointestinal track infection which hospitalized him for four days, left most of the coaching to interim coach Tricia Saxton. 

But he was in the dugout providing encouragement to his Warriors, who rallied for a 5-3 victory over Aliso Niguel. 

It was the second victory of the day for Woodbridge, which defeated Mission Viejo, 6-3.  The Warriors (7-13) finished 2-2 in the tournament. 

By TIM BURT, Sports Editor

Irvine World News

Woodbridge 0, El Modena 6:  Woodbridge High's girls softball team is trying to adjust to life without its ace pitcher, Danica Bishop.   The freshman broke her thumb on a line drive in Saturday's game with Marina and is lost for the season. 

Tuesday, junior Heather Gorey tried to pick up the slack on the mound, but Woodbridge (3-5) fell to El Modena, 6-0, in a nonleague game at Barber Park. 

By TIM BURT, Sports Editor

Irvine World News 

Woodbridge High's softball team has started out the season with a 3-2 record. 

"I thought the team played really well and we're playing at a very high level," said Woodbridge Coach Alan Dugard.  "Yucaipa and Riverside Christian (the two teams Woodbridge lost to) are both excellent teams." 

The Warriors started the season by defeating Ramona, 6-0, in the Corona Tournament.  The Warriors won the game, 6-0, behind the excellent pitching of freshman Danica Bishop, who pitched a two-hit shutout. 

The 2009 Woodbridge Softball team has begun practice with an eye towards their season-opening tournament on Saturday, February 28 at Barber Park.

One of the key events is our own WHS/Victory Softball Classic, scheduled for April 11, 13, and 18.  Information is now available about this exciting annual event.