A 20
–win season wasn’t quite enough to get the Gavilan softball team
into the 16–team NorCal playoffs. But the Lady Rams, who finished
tied for third place with an 11–12 record in the Coast Conference
Southern Division, did earn plenty of respect and a bushel-full of
postseason honors.
A 20–win season wasn’t quite enough to get the Gavilan softball team into the 16–team NorCal playoffs.
But the Lady Rams, who finished tied for third place with an 11–12 record in the Coast Conference Southern Division, did earn plenty of respect and a bushel-full of postseason honors.
“We almost made the playoffs, but didn’t make it,” said Gavilan head coach Tim Kenworthy. “We were very close.”
The NorCal playoffs were held last week.
“I was bummed. We deserved it, I feel,” said sophomore second baseman Kristine Miles, a Live Oak product. “We had 20 wins, which was a lot better than last year’s season. We were sad (the season) was over. (This season) was fun, the girls were fun. Everybody got along and we had a lot of chemistry, on and off the field.”
That kind of chemistry showed in the team’s play all season, which saw the Rams (20-17 overall) compile one of the best records in school history.
And, their efforts were rewarded with a raft of awards. Miles and Courtney Colianna were named first team all–conference and Katie Arao and Amanda Jackson were named to the second team.
“I can’t remember the last time Gavilan had any first–teamers,” Kenworthy said. “It’s been a long time.”
Additionally, Kenworthy was named the Coast Conference South Coach of the Year, an award determined by the coaches of the conference. It was his first.
“I was a bit surprised, I guess. And flattered,” Kenworthy said. “We worked real hard as a coaching staff. It’s nice to be honored by your peers. They’re the ones that play you and see you and your team. I think it’s an indication of how far the program has come.”
Miles, who received second team all–conference honors last year, was selected to the first team as an infielder. On the season, Miles batted .355 and totaled 43 hits, 11 doubles, five triples and a home run.
“I was excited,” said Miles, who has been accepted to San Jose State, where she will try to join Lady Spartan softball as a walk–on. “I was hoping for it. I had a good season and it was my second year.”
Colliana, who transferred to Gavilan from West Valley in the fall, also took home first team honors as a utility player.
The pitcher and infielder hit .337 for the season and went 5–5 on the mound.
“She was very versatile and I think she was selected as a utility player because of that versatility,” Kenworthy said. “I’m glad she came down (from San Jose) and played.”
Arao, the team’s power hitter, was named to the second team as an outfielder.
She had an impressive .593 on–base percentage in conference and also homered twice.
Jackson’s clutch hitting as a designated hitter got her second team honors as well. She amassed 23 hits and three doubles, hit .343 and got on base at a .459 clip.
On paper, the Lady Rams lose just four players for next season: Sophomores Miles, first baseman Erinn Gouker, third baseman Vicki Velasquez and outfielder Katrina Villa.
However, many players have said they will not be returning because Kenworthy did not receive tenure and as of now, will not return to coach the Lady Rams.
Lady Rams honored
First Team All–Conference
Kristine Miles, sophomore, 2B/SS
Conference stats: .275 BA, 22 hits, 17 runs scored, 16 RBI, 1HR, 4 triples, 5 doubles, .412 OBP
Courtney Colliana, freshman, P/SS/3B
CONFERENCE STATS: .385 BA, 25 hits, 15 runs scored, 13 RBI, 2 triples, 4 doubles, .493 OBP; 5–5 record as a pitcher
Second Team All–Conference
Katie Arao, freshman, OF
Conference stats: .321 BA, .593 OBP, 2HR, 3 doubles, 12 RBI
Amanda Jackson, freshman, DH/1B
Conference stats: .343 BA, 23 hits, 20 runs scored, .459 OBP
Coast Conference South Coach of the Year
Tim Kenworthy (4th season)
