Strolling around Deanna Manning Stadium at Bill Barber Park, Alyssa Palomino couldn’t walk 10 yards without being stopped.
Just days after Mission Viejo’s dramatic 1-0 extra-inning win over Chino in the CIF-SS Division 2 championship, a number of area coaches approached the Diablos’ power-hitting center fielder to congratulate her on the team’s achievement.
With the season in the bag, the moment also gave a number of opposing managers the opportunity to let Palomino in on a secret: They were not going to pitch to the Diablos star unless they had to.
A year after setting the Orange County record for home runs in a season (18), Palomino was limited in her opportunities at the plate as a junior.
Getting pitched around was the norm, and intentional walks weren’t rare. But as great hitters do, Palomino made the most of her opportunities.
Batting atop one of the deepest lineups in the nation, Palomino led Mission Viejo with 17 home runs, 36 runs and 34 RBI, earning her a second consecutive Register player of the year award.
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“It was a long ride, but it was a good one,” the junior said of this season.
“We won (the Tournament of Champions) in Laughlin. That was huge for us. We won the Best of the West tournament for a second straight year, which was also big. And we went into CIF (playoffs) ready to go.”
While Palomino’s freshman and sophomore seasons ended with great personal accomplishments – two first-team All-County selections and the home-run record – the Diablos as a group never reached their goals, being bounced in the second round of the playoffs in back-to-back years.
After going 21-1 during the regular season, Mission Viejo went into this postseason with a noticeable chip on its shoulder.
Palomino went on a tear during the playoffs, belting five homers in five games.
With the game knotted at goose eggs in the bottom of the ninth inning in the finale against Chino, the Cowgirls elected to intentionally walk Palomino and load the bases with one out.
“It’s always great to have a player and an athlete like Alyssa on your team,” said Diablos pitcher Taylor McQuillin. “If you don’t have the confidence in yourself, you never want to face her.”
As was the case in the Chino game.
By walking Palomino, who has committed to Arizona, the Cowgirls were forced to bring the infield in against Kayleen Shafer. The junior catcher delivered a run-scoring, title-winning single up the middle.
That was the story all season for Mission. If you walked Palomino, she gladly took the free base and her teammates capitalized. But if you pitched to her, you better play your outfielders near the outfield fence.
A new season won’t kick off for another nine months, but there’s a lot for Palomino to look forward to in 2015.
With 42 career home runs, she sits four shy of tying the county record set by El Toro’s Lauren Chamberlain (2008-11).
With the return of Palomino and McQuillin, the Register’s pitcher of the year, next season, the Diablos will likely be battling again for the Division 2 crown.
“We saw our seniors go out with a CIF ring this year, and that’s the best way to send a senior off,” Palomino said. “We hope our younger girls behind us see that we play for each other, so we can walk away with back-to-back championships.”
Contact the writer: kconnolly@ocregister.com
