Mendoza Sisters Sharing Field, Memories at Camarillo

What could be better for Camarillo High than having Stanford-bound Jessica Mendoza anchoring the infield at shortstop?

Answer: Having her freshman sister, Alana, at second base.

The Mendozas have combined for only three errors in 90 chances for a .967 fielding percentage.

Playing together--and in such close proximity--has added a new dimension to their relationship, both acknowledged. Their good-natured wrestling matches at home have evolved to verbal sparing on the field, like the time Alana was picked off third.

“[Jessica] was talking to me like I was a moron,” Alana said. “I can take it from [teammates] Cindy [Ball] or Shannon [Zigner] . . . but [Jessica’s] not allowed to yell at me like that.”

Said Karen Mendoza, their mother: “They’re typical sisters. They fight, but then it’s like nothing happened. Jess will give Alana pep talks and tell her what she needs to do. And when Jess makes a good play, Alana will jump on her back [to congratulate her].”

It could be a couple of weeks before Alana jumps on her sister again.

Because of soreness in her shoulder, Jessica took herself out of the game Tuesday against Westlake after making her first error in 50 chances.

A doctor told her Wednesday she is suffering from inflammation of the rotator cuff in her right shoulder. Jessica, who is still able to bat, is not expected to play in the field for two weeks.