Merced's Evans was dual threat

The statistics Chelsea Evans compiled this year are jaw-dropping.

The Merced sophomore hit .585 in 15 Central California Conference games this year with 22 runs and 25 RBIs.

She also went 8-3 as the Bears ace with a 1.73 ERA.

It was hardly a surprise when the CCC softball coaches selected her as the conference MVP.

"She had a really good year," Merced coach Bart McAfee said. "She had a lot of big hits for us. I think she led the league in batting average and RBIs, plus she's our pitcher.

"Without her, we don't win league."

Evans worked hard to put up the numbers she did.

"I'm happy with myself," she said. "It excites me and pushes me to want to do better next year."

Pitman's Janessa Guevara was named the Pitcher of the Year.

Atwater senior Gabi Espinosa was chosen as the Offensive Player of the Year.

Espinosa hit .447 during conference play with 17 runs and seven RBIs.

"It's a huge honor that the other coaches in the league recognized Gabi as such a strong force in our lineup," said Atwater coach Marcia-Marie Rosson, who was selected as a Co-Coach of the Year with Pitman's Cassie Shepard.

"Gabi hit over .400 in our four spot. She made pitchers work hard. She has a great eye. Her on-base percentage was over 600."

Merced had three players land on the all-CCC first team in outfielder Molly Burns, shortstop Ashley Heath-Smith and outfielder Serina Castillo.

Atwater pitcher/first baseman Gracie Santistevan and second baseman Jenna Boesch also earned first-team honors.

They were joined on the team by Buhach Colony pitcher/infielder Mary Castillo and Golden Valley first baseman/outfielder Tori Johnson.

Shyan Crutcher (Golden Valley), Lauren Morris (Buhach Colony), Marielle Valdez (Atwater), Aliyah Ricks (Atwater), Ruby Quiralte (Merced) and Miranda Mendoza (Merced) were all named to the second team.