Santa Ana Lionettes
Western Division
1360 S. Anaheim Blvd. #207, Anaheim, California 92805
714.535.2845
Director: Ed Goldstein
General Manager: Shirley Topley
Assistant General Manager: Carol Spanks
Field Manager: Shirley Topley
Home Field: Santa Ana Bowl
Team Colors: orange, white, brown (optional)
The Santa Ana Lionettes played only the first two years the league was in existence. The franchise was moved to White Plains N.Y. in 1979.
The following is an excerpt from the 1976 San Jose Sunbirds program (Reprint).
Reprint – The Orange Lionettes, along with the Raybestos Brakettes, historically dominated women’s amateur softball. Nine times national champs, their decision to move into the professional ranks gave the WPS an undeniable and important boost.
Shirley Topley, first baseman and field manager for the Lionettes, stresses team work and team accomplishments, but singles out pitcher/outfielder Carol Spanks for special mention. Spanks has won virtually every softball award possible.
Joining veterans Topley and Spanks are Cathy Benedetto of Portland, Oregon, and Stephany Tenney of the Orlando (Fla.) Rebels, the only two outsiders to break into the Lionette lineup this year. Benedetto also was an all-American basketball player.
Topley is enthusiastic about her team’s chances, but equally excited about the league’s possibilities as a whole.