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Western softball coach Joe Soto affectionately calls Kelli Spillan, his senior third baseman, the “silent assassin.”

“Because no one knows about her,” he explained.

The Pioneers’ program also hasn’t been well-known for its exploits in recent years but thanks to Spillan’s lethal bat and a few other encouraging signs, that’s changing.

Spillan belted her Orange County-leading ninth home run Monday in a 20-12 against visiting Century in the teams’ Orange League opener.

Western’s home field doesn’t feature a fence but Spillan has launched six of her home runs over fences during away games. She also is batting .727 overall for the Pioneers (6-10, 1-0).

Spillan has produced the eye-popping numbers despite not playing travel ball. The travel circuit can help players develop their skills and reputations among coaches.

But Soto believes college coaches should take notice of his cleanup hitter.

“I believe she can play Division I,” said Soto, who coached several college-bound players, including his daughter Sydney (Cal Baptist), last year as an assistant for T.J. Houshmandzadeh’s Firecrackers travel team. “She’s got a great attitude.”

And that’s exactly what Soto needs as he aims to rebuild the softball program at his alma mater.

The third-year coach is focusing on defensive fundamentals, pitch location and building confidence. Soto starts four freshmen but the Pioneers have shown progress.

The team is one win away from matching its win total from last season.

Western leans on juniors Gisel Chairez and Jasmine Rios in the circle. Soto said Chairez is the Pioneers’ ace. Rios had nine strikeouts and also drove in five runs against Century.

Junior center fielder Emiley Courtright is another player to watch.

Freshman catcher Billie Muro is Western’s lone travel player and leads the youth movement. She went 3 for 3 with three RBIs and three stolen bases on Monday.

Western would compete in Division 7 if it qualified for the playoffs. The Pioneers last reached the postseason in 2010.

Soto said making the playoffs is the goal, along with securing at least a temporary fence for Spillan and Pioneers to use for home games.

NOTES

Anaheim could be another team to watch in the Orange League. The Colonists upset then-No. 14 Segerstrom 5-3 last week. Anaheim then lost its next game to Westminster 19-14. …

Mission Viejo sophomore Sofia Elliott has seven home runs and also is the Diablos’ ace pitcher. …

San Clemente defeated Woodbridge 4-3 in the finals of the Timberwolf Classic hosted by Northwood. The Tritons’ Sam Kowalski was selected tournament MVP and joined on the all-tournament team by Tess Bojorquez and  Addison Sinning.

Other all-tournament selection were: Julia Doan of San Juan Hills, Riley Bajorek of Northwood, Sienna Porter of Irvine, Taylor Wooten of San Juan Hills, Payton Harris of Woodbridge and Ryan McDonald of San Juan Hills.

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