After going undefeated in the Orange Empire Conference, the Cypress College Softball program (35-5, 21-0) received a number of awards from the OEC and the California Community College Fastpitch Coaches Association.
Sophomore Taylor Pierce was named a 2016 All-American, CCCFCA SoCal Player of the Year, and the OEC Most Valuable Player. Freshman Vanessa Ledesma received a CCCFCA All-State selection and was named OEC Pitcher of the Year. Sophomore standouts Justice Walker and Tobi Salzman also received CCCFCA All-State and OEC First Team selections. Sophomore Jezz Portillo was selected to the OEC Second Team.
Head Coach Brad Pickler, who has now reached 1,257 career wins and 21 Orange Empire Conference Championships, earned yet another SoCal Coach of the year award to go along with his 16th OEC Coach of the Year award.
Taylor Pierce had a tremendous performance at the plate and on the mound this season. She led the team with a .452 average and crushed six home runs. She also co-led the team with 41 RBI and 31 runs scored. The team's ace pitched to a 14-3 season with a 1.90 ERA and led the staff with 85 strikeouts.
Vanessa Ledesma also proved to be an ace in her own right, leading the pitching staff with 18 wins and only 2 losses. Her ERA was right behind Pierce at 1.99 with 52 strikeouts.
Sophomore Justice Walker was a sparkplug on offense for the Chargers this season. Batting .422, Walker was active on the bases and led the team with 26 steals and 54 runs. She also belted four home runs and knocked in 28 RBI. The sophomore speedster was also an impressive right fielder, committing only one error during the regular season.
Tobi Salzman was the most consistent contact hitter in the Orange Empire Conference, batting .449 with an on-base percentage of .525. Salzman hit four home runs with 41 RBI and led the team with 21 walks. She also led the team in doubles with 15 and scored 34 runs this season.
Jezz Portillo did an excellent job this season calling pitches for Pierce and Ledesma, but she also did her share of work with the bat. The catcher batted .368 with a home run and 28 RBI this season. Portillo boasted a .443 on-base percentage and was second in the team for walks with 14.
2016 ALL-ORANGE EMPIRE CONFERENCE TEAM
2016 CCCFCA ALL-STATE/ALL-REGION TEAMS
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