KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
Lyford softball had quite the season in 2017. The Lady Bulldogs reached new heights by qualifying for the regional quarterfinals along with a perfect district season.
As a result, the Lady Dogs led the 32-3A All-District team with12 selections.
Freshman Jerrica Rojas was unanimously named the league MVP after leading her team in average with a .566 mark. She also led the club in hits with 47, 19 doubles and seven home runs.
“I’m glad I was able to win district MVP as a freshman,” said Rojas. “All my work has paid off and this will only make me work harder for next season. I thank my teammates and coaches because if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be in this position,”
Lyford also saw Newcomer of the Year go to freshman Karla Medina. The shortstop batted .232 and collected 16 hits and 17 runs scored.
Offensive Player of the Year went to senior center fielder Kyndra Brown, who finished with a .311 average and led the team in runs scored with 31.
This year’s Defensive Player of the Year unanimously went to Santa Rosa catcher Mariah Contreras.
Coach of the Year was awarded to Lyford’s Joey Rios. In his second year as head coach Rios helped guide the Lady Bulldogs to the third round of the playoffs.
“It’s an honor to receive Coach of the Year,” said Rios. “All the credit goes to my coaching staff and kids because none of this gets done without their hard work and dedication.”
32-3A All-District selections
MVP: Jerrica Rojas, Lyford
Offensive Player of the Year: Kyndra Brown, Lyford
Defensive Player of the Year: Mariah Contreras, Santa Rosa
Newcomer of the Year: Karla Medina, Lyford
Coach of the Year: Joey Rios, Lyford
First Team
Lyford
Pitcher: Evelyn Ortiz
Catcher: Jessica Cruz
First Base: Serena Rodriguez
Second Base: Christina Rocha
Third Base: Sandra Lupercio
Outfield: Adriana Duran, Sydney Bray
Designated Player: Ana Martinez
Santa Rosa
Pitcher: Raeven Robles
Third Base: Skyler Ruiz
Outfield: Cheyenne Rodriguez
Second Team
Lyford
Pitcher: Allix Cortez
Santa Rosa
First Base: Alyssa Saldivar
Shortstop: Kelly Guerra
Outfield: Giselle Espinoza
Honorable Mention
Lyford: Madalyn Rodriguez, Leilani Salazar
Santa Rosa: Ana Gonzalez, Ayisa Perez