Gavilan softball squad takes out MPC, 4-1, to double last year’s
wins
MONTEREY – Gavilan wrapped up its season on Tuesday with a 4-1 victory against Monterey Peninsula College.
The Rams have won four of five games and seven of their past 11. The 16 wins that the Rams picked up doubled their total from last season.
“Our goal was to win 15,” said Gavilan coach Tim Kenworthy. “We achieved that at the San Diego College tournament with a win over San Diego City. Anything we had after that was icing on the cake.”
With just one returning sophomore – Gilroy grad Melissa Nicholson – the Rams continued to improve as the season went along.
“We were peaking at the end of the season,” Kenworthy said. “We did it with freshman. Most of our team didn’t come out until January. We had some illnesses and injuries that we were able to overcome.”
Gavilan (16-24, 7-9 conf.) finished in third place in the Southern Division of the Coast Conference behind West Valley and San Jose City.
“I have had a lot of positive experiences and successful teams,” said Kenworthy, a second-year coach with the Rams. “I took this job as a challenge. We were able to get a number of good players from the area. We had some real talent.”
The Rams struck for three runs in the third inning against MPC. Sara Shepherd singled sharply to right field. Colleen Brown was hit by a pitch. They both moved up on a passed ball.
Live Oak grad and shortstop Michelle Alvernaz picked up a clutch single over the third baseman’s head to bring in both runs. Shelby Brown was hit by a pitch. Stephanie Denton doubled to score Alvernaz from second base.
Former Hollister ace Stephanie Denton (13-14) picked up the win. The Lobos scored in the third inning on a two-out base hit and a double by Doris Matuu.
In the fourth inning Angelia Guglielmo, was hit by a pitch, stole second and third base. Melissa Nicholson walked. And Colleen Brown singled over the first baseman’s head to bring in a run.
“We feel real pleased with the season we had.” Kenworthy said. “I was really proud of these girls. When they stepped on the field, they played ball. They were a very dedicated, determined bunch. They were very coachable and made it fun for us to coach them.”
Gavilan 003 100 0 – 4 5 0
MPC 001 000 0 – 1 6 1
S. Denton and C. Denton (G). Hare and Pemberton (MPC). WP – S. Denton. LP – Hare. 2B -Matuu (MPC), Glover (MPC). 2H – Glover (MPC), Sheppard (G).
