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Local softball players well represented in All-League selections
Softball 1
Turlock Highs Shelby Frutoz was the Central California Conference Pitcher of the Year and a first team All-League selection during her sophomore year and led the Dogs to their first playoff win in over a decade. - photo by Journal file photo

Turlock, Pitman, Delhi, Denair and Hilmar High softball teams concluded their respective seasons and each school had standout players that were recognized through All-League selections.

Turlock, who finished the year with an overall record of 16-12, earning the most victories in a single season since 2009, had two first team Central California Conference and two second team selections.

Shelby Frutoz was a first team selection and was named the league’s Pitcher of the Year. Sophie Mayol also made the first team and Jessie Miranda and Jayden Mendoza were chosen as second team choices.

“I think they deserve it as well,” said Turlock head coach Jill Ogden. “Also, I would think of those four for the Journal selection as well.”

This year was the first season in over a decade that the Bulldogs managed to win a playoff game. Turlock will return a majority of their lineup including their regular three infielders, catcher and starting pitcher.

The Pitman Pride finished the season with an overall record of 11-11-1 and 6-6 in the CCC, barely missing the playoffs after getting eliminated by Turlock in the final regular season game.

They were led by two All-League selections — Claire Fountain earned first team honors while Morgan Aguiniga was a second team selection — and an honorable mention in Lehua DeLeon.

“All three are hard workers and played at a high level since their freshman year,” said Pitman head coach Joe Lewis. “They were real sound all year offensively and defensively.”

Lewis and the Pride have the luxury of returning all three players next year.

“It’s huge to have the girls with experience, Lehua and Morgan are fourth-year varsity starters and Claire third and so I hope to see them be leaders and help the younger girls adapt to varsity,” Lewis added.

Hilmar clinched a postseason spot after a 6-6 Trans Valley League record that placed them fourth. They unfortunately fell in the first round of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-V bracket.

Behind that team was a solid trio of All-League seniors in Miranda Gray, Kassidy Mendes and Sarah Hughes.

Denair and Delhi each finished Southern Athletic League play with a record of 2-12, but still saw sparks from players.

Most notably for Delhi was Valerie Mercado, who batted .275 and pitched in all 25 games earning first team honors.

For Denair, Kelsey Park and Jessica Aguilar earned honorable mention honors in the SAL.

 

“They led the team in all categories,” said Denair head coach Sean Smiley.