Centennial reloads for repeat

Most teams have to rebuild after winning a state championship. A few starters graduate, and younger players have to move in and quickly fill the void.

Chalk up Centennial’s softball team as the exception to the rule.

The Bulldogs return 14 players, including two pitchers and their entire starting lineup, from a squad that went 33-8-1 and won its second state title in four seasons last year.

“They know what we expect,” Centennial coach Mike Livreri said. “It makes it easier for us as coaches to just coach. We’ve had it in the past where we’ve had to totally start over from the ground up.”

Centennial already has started to receive high praise, ranked as high as 10th nationally by one online site.

“It feels just like last year,” senior first baseman Mia Acuna said. “Everybody came back with the same mentality.”

If they come back with the same offensive prowess, the Bulldogs could be scary.

Centennial belted 46 home runs last year, including 16 by shortstop Heather Bowen, who claimed Review-Journal state player of the year honors as a sophomore.

The Bulldogs’ infield — Acuna, senior second baseman Bailie Nelson, Bowen and junior third baseman Savannah Horvath — combined to hit .454 with 25 homers, 147 RBIs and 190 runs last year.

Yet their biggest contribution might be on defense. Acuna and Nelson have played on the same team since age 8, and their familiarity with Bowen and Horvath allows every player on the infield to know where each other will be and what to expect.

“We’re really comfortable together,” Nelson said. “We feel very confident.”

The outfield — senior Alyssa Finger in center, junior Madison Henzlik in right, and juniors Lauren Stroman and Lacie Chakos in left — added 13 homers, 123 RBIs and 125 runs.

Seniors Taylor Huntly and Kate Rauskin are back after splitting time in the circle. They helped Centennial post a 2.19 ERA.

“They really support each other,” Livreri said. “It’s a great luxury for a coach to know he’s got one on the bench he can bring in or two who can start any given game.”

Senior Lexie Morales and junior Ashley Ross split time at catcher and can be valuable weapons, and junior Allison Riggs is back after homering twice in 32 at-bats, usually off the bench.

“We have the potential to be as good as last year, with the possibility of being better,” Livreri said. “We have to stay on task and get better. We want to be great. This group has an opportunity to leave a mark on Centennial High School. If they can get there one more time, it would be great.”

It also would be the first time a Southern Nevada school has won consecutive large-school titles in softball. Still, no one is ready to give Centennial the crown.

Palo Verde and Arbor View are among the schools expected to be strong in the Sunset Region, and state finalist Coronado again could be a threat.

“If we keep working hard, we will get where we need to be,” Acuna said. “If you get ahead of yourself, it can ruin your season.”