On the heels of its second-place finish in the Monterey Bay
League and the school’s first postseason appearance, the
Christopher High softball received seven selections to MBL
All-League list.
On the heels of its second-place finish in the Monterey Bay League and the school’s first postseason appearance, the Christopher High softball received seven selections to MBL All-League list.
CHS snagged three spots on the First-Team-All-League roster, two on Second-Team and two Sportsmanship awards.
“I came away with what I think I deserved,” said manager Larry Nabzeska about the selection process.
Juniors Aly Olvera and Kayla Medrano and sophomore Mariza Rodriguez collected the First-Team recognitions.
Olvera led the team on the mound all season, demonstrating over and again her talent and drive as the Cougar’s No.1 pitcher. Olvera posted 148 innings pitched – tops in the league – and made her presence known at the dish as well, hitting .377 with 19 RBI.
Rodriguez guarded the hot corner at third base for the majority of the season as a stable defensive force for the Cougars. The clean-up hitter also simulated that same stability offensively. Rodriguez acquired a .373 batting average and led the team in RBI with 20 for the season.
Medrano covered the right side of the infield as starting second baseman. Her average of .321 includes 27 hits, ranking her third on the team in that category. Medrano’s ability to get on base out of the second slot resulted in 18 runs scored on the year.
“They ones that made first team, I don’t think they should’ve been shocked,” Nabzeska said.
Olvera and Medrano, also served as team captains for the Cougars.
Nabzeska said Medrano developed a knack as the team’s vocal leader throughout the season.
“She treated everybody with respect, always yes sir and no sir. And you asked her to do something, she would do it immediately. She would go to the players and explain to them their responsibilities,” Nabzeska said. “From day one, she showed she was a leader.”
Kaslin Ettema and Mariah Martinez earned spots on the Second-Team list, both making strides for the Cougars this year.
Ettema came out on top as the designated hitter putting together a strong second half of the season and finishing with a .311 average and 15 RBI. Nabzeska said Ettema due to her ability to adapt to her role.
“She progressed through the season. I never got attitude from her,” Nabzeska said.
Martinez, the team’s everyday catcher, called nearly every pitch for Olvera and the Cougars other pitcher Angelica Carrillo, took control of her team, and continued to be quick behind the plate.
“She was a very steady player,” Nabzeska said. “She was efficient. She was, in my opinion, a real good choice for Second-Team-All-League.”
The Monterey Bay League allows each team to pick two players for Sportsmanship awards. Nabzeska nominated Johnna Blank and Brittney Souza for those honors. Nabzeska said Blank’s giving attitude is what won her the award. He said she always stepped up to fill a position, expressed a positive attitude and became a player he could count on repeatedly.
“She is probably the best young lady with the most sportsmanship I’ve ever seen,” Nabzeska said.
Nabzeska credited Souza’s maturity as a freshman player on the varsity squad.
“She knew her place as a freshman in a varsity team. She was a perfect young lady on the softball team and a very good defensive player. She is a quality player,” Nabzeska said.
The Cougars, who completed their first year at the varsity level with a 17-11-1 record, including a 6-5 win in the first round of the Central Coast Section playoffs, will return their entire lineup next year.
