There's room for more than just one successful softball program in Camarillo.

With Cornerstone Christian off to a 6-1 start and ranked No. 1 in Division VII, the city has all its bases covered this season.

Big or small, public or private, Camarillo has become a prime diamond destination.

"We are not anywhere near the Division I schools, but we are hanging in there and holding our own," Cornerstone Christian coach Dean Drulias said. "The girls are really trying hard and keeping their heads in the game."

Although the Eagles had to replace a few members of last year's CIF semifinalist team, it hasn't hindered their production.

Arianna Drulias is leading Cornerstone Christian with a .632 average, 12 hits and 10 RBIs. Christina Aguilera – no, she's not related to the singer – is hitting .563 and catcher Christine Yamek is hitting .533 while throwing out runners on the basepaths.

But the unquestioned leader of the team is Jessi Castro. The senior pitcher's value goes beyond her 2.63 ERA and 50 strikeouts.

"She has been the key inspiration to the younger players, and makes them work," Dean Drulias said. "She keeps us in games because of her strikeouts and we are fairly solid behind her in defense. You can't replace anyone like her."

Unlike many larger schools, Cornerstone Christian's players typically arrive with limited softball experience and spend hours in practice learning the fundamentals.

"I think only two of our players actually played in a league growing up," Drulias said. "We are doing things in practice that you would have hoped other coaches already taught them. It is a challenge, but it is a lot of fun."

Cornerstone was forced to scramble and add extra games to its schedule just before the season started when three teams dropped out of the six-team Omega League.

But it may actually benefit the Eagles for the postseason because they added tougher opponents in Village Christian and Hillcrest Christian-Granada Hills.

"Their goal is really to try to win our division," Drulias said. "Last year, they exceeded our expectations. But this year I think we have a chance, and they want to get to that final game. That is what we are working for."

Leading the charge: They receive recognition each week on the scoreboard page, but the area leaders are worthy of a repeat in print. Strikeouts Julia Rice (Oak Park) 160; Stolen Bases Tiffany Messerschmidt (Thousand Oaks) 14; RBIs – Delaney Willard (Camarillo) 30; Home runs Willard 5; Average Jamie Samuel (Malibu) .581; Runs scored Lindsey Pierce (Camarillo), Taylor Schlopy (Oaks Christian) and Ashley Rice (Grace Brethren) 22.

Rounding the bases: Royal had outscored its opponents 32-0 in a four-game stretch before losing to three-time champion La Mirada in the Arroyo Grande Tournament championship game For non-league opponents, La Reina and Pacifica have become very familiar with each other. The teams met for the third time on Tuesday. La Reina won the first two early-season meetings.