Susan Johnson has seen the talent level escalate in her 23 years as the Ventura College women's softball coach.

Leading her second summer softball camp this summer, Johnson had 15 players register on Monday and it was a perfect ratio for her and two former players, Ginger Ayala Gutierrez and Heather Sliger, to provide instruction for recreation players.

Johnson had 25 players in the first camp June 23-26, which included pitching.

This week's camp highlighted hitting, fielding and baserunning. Johnson runs fun drills and by the second day of camp, the players develop friendships.

On Tuesday, 14 girls, including one new player to the game, took on the speed and agility drills with enthusiasm.

The veteran coach remembers her early years with the Pirates and how Southern California and Northern California had dominant softball, but the Central Coast has taken off.

The Tri Valley League in Ventura was small and Oxnard girls played only slow-pitch. Oxnard still has a unique Mermaid Softball League, the lone West Coast program affiliated with PONY softball and a winner of national championships.

"Softball has really picked up and Ventura County has excellent players," said Johnson.

Every community has developed a strong program.

"We've caught up with everybody."

Johnson showed the girls how to slide on their belly in the grass.

"It's like riding a bike," she said of the more you do it, the easier it becomes.

On Wednesday, the campers were diving in the dirt and ended the camp today with a Slip 'n' Slide.

"I don't know who has more fun, me or the girls."

Johnson will have a hitting camp Monday through Thursday on the campus field from 9 to 11 a.m. Cost is $65.

Sliger will be in Chicago next week for the women's national championship tournament. She plays for the Ventura-based High Fives, fourth in last summer's tournament. The High Fives have been national champions.

Sliger plays collegiate softball at Missouri Valley. Sliger, a standout from Santa Paula High, can play first base, third base or catcher.

Ayala Gutierrez has found she enjoys teaching softball.

"I do private pitching instruction," she said. "It's wonderful and nice to coach youth."

Working with Johnson, she said she wants to become a coach.

Ayala Gutierrez plans on returning to college to finish her degree. She pitched one season at UC Santa Barbara after a stellar career with the Pirates and Rio Mesa High Spartans.

Johnson will have a hitting camp Monday through Thursday on the campus field from 9 to 11 a.m. Cost is $65.

Ojai Valley Heat wins championship: The 12-and-under Ojai Valley Heat finished the All-Star season with a 21-5-1 record behind the strong pitching of Kirsten Castro and Kaitlynn Nelson. The Heat was also backed by the defense of Brittany Holden, Taylor Prieto, Breanna DeAlba, Kelsie Prock and Taylor Baugher in the infield. Hannah Gibbons, Alex Rodarte, Julia Clark, Kaylin Wade, Shelbee Damianos and Heather Straup played well in the outfield.

The key was the hitting power by the team outscoring its opponents 210-45.

Jeremy Prieto is the manager. Omar Castro is the head coach. Jerry Holden, Melissa Baugher, Scotty Baugher and Jimmy Wade are the assistant coaches.

Ojai defeated Templeton 19-1, Las Vegas 18-1, San Bruno 6-5, El Cajon 15-0, Claremont 10-5 (semifinal) and Claremont 6-5 (championship).

Simi Valley heads to nationals: With 30 wins to the Simi Valley girls' credit and a winning percentage of .833, the 10-and-under Gold All-Stars are slated to battle for the Western National B Championship in Las Vegas.

Simi Valley earned a berth in the prestigious tournament, finishing fifth in the California State Games in San Diego this past weekend, losing only to Placentia/Yorba Linda and Bonita Valley — the eventual champion and second-place finishers. PYL's only loss in the State Games came at the hands of Simi Valley earlier in the tourney.

Manager Pat Cheek was rightfully optimistic about his team's chances in Las Vegas.

"We've had a great run and have a very good chance at nationals. Our record against the first four state finishers is 7-3," Cheek said.

With a solid and enthusiastic coaching staff of Lisa Vigo, Ray Reynolds, Danny Lorenz, Jeff Simonds and Tony Ferracone, the girls have put together an overall record of 30-5-1. Simi Valley has won three tournament championships, including the Westerm District championships and two second-place finishes.

The players are Breanna Burke, Leila Bolton, Emily Chandler, Haley Cheek, Taylor Ginther, Alexis Hoff, Amanda Lorenz, Melissa Miller, Rylee Reynolds, Kassidy Simons, Jules Trombley and Audrey Vigo.

Simi Valley is seeking all tax-deductible donations to assist the girls in the quest to bring home the national championship. Donations may be sent to SVGS, P.O. Box 1111, Simi Valley, CA 93062; write 10-U Gold in the memo. Information: Pat Cheek at 323-855-1192.

Eagles tryouts: The American Eagles softball club will host tryouts for all divisions on Aug. 9 and 16 at the Saticoy Park fields. The club is seeking devoted and talented players. Information: J.J. Vaivoa at 585-9949 or http://www.eteamz.com/americaneaglesgirlsfastpi.