NINE ALL-OEC HORNETS PLUS ANOTHER POSTSEASON NOD
ALL-OEC and a playoff berth!
The All-Orange Empire Conference team was selected by the coaches over the weekend with 9 Hornets making the grade as the team prepares this week for the first round of the 3C2A Southern California Regional Playoffs.
First Team All-OEC
Sophomore slugger Lisa Villanueva earned First Team All-OEC honors after a historic season at the plate. Villanueva led the conference with 13 home runs setting a new program record for most home runs in a single season while also breaking the career mark with 16. In 39 games, she totaled 27 runs, 40 RBI, 42 hits, and posted a .389 batting average. Villanueva was also recognized by the 3CFCA as a first team All-Southern California selection.
Second Team All-OEC
Sophomore left fielder Juliana Ursino turned in another strong campaign appearing in 40 games while batting .350 with 2 home runs, 34 runs scored, and 28 RBI. The speedster also swiped 12 bases and earns her second straight All-OEC selection.
In the circle, sophomore Grace Workman was a steady force making 20 appearances and logging 79.2 innings with a 3.08 ERA. She finished with a 9-3 record, one save, and 45 strikeouts.
Sophomore second baseman Zoey Bautista continued to anchor the infield batting .305 in 40 games with 17 runs scored and 19 RBI.
Freshman pitcher Emma Gamez emerged as a key contributor in her first season making 23 appearances and throwing 112.1 innings. Gamez compiled a 12-4 record with two saves and a 2.87 ERA while leading the team with 94 strikeouts ranking fourth in the OEC.
First-year right fielder Alana Eisel added consistency to the lineup hitting .375 over 38 games with one home run, 12 runs scored, and 12 RBI.
Honorable Mention
Sophomore pitcher Sam Vizcarra made 14 appearances (73 innings) posting a 2.59 ERA with a 6-6 record and 40 strikeouts.
At first base, sophomore Toafa Pua provided power and stability batting .327 with 2 home runs, 10 doubles, 19 runs scored, and 16 RBI.
Freshman catcher Faith Krueger made an immediate impact behind the plate appearing in all 40 games while hitting .342 with 3 home runs, 10 doubles, 25 runs, and 25 RBI.
Up Next: The No. 7 seed Hornets host No. 10 El Camino College this Friday, May 1st in the first round of the SoCal Regionals for a best of three series. Game time is set for 2:00 pm. Game two will take place at Hornet Field on Saturday, May 2 at noon with game three (if needed) to follow at 2:30 pm. Come out and support the team for this big series!
