St. Francis’ Maya Yumiba(3), positioned at center, expresses excitement after a play in the CIF NorCal Division I softball match against Hollister on June 3, 2023, held at Hollister High School in Hollister, California.
(Thien-An Truong for Bay Area News Group)
HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL PREVIEW 2024
RECAP
St. Francis clinched the West Catholic Athletic League title, faced defeat against Hollister in the Central Coast Section Open final, and advanced to the NorCal Open final, where they fell short of defending their regional title as Hollister triumphed again, this time with a 1-0 victory in extra innings. Despite outscoring opponents 229-21 and recording 12 games with at least 10 runs scored, it was a disappointing conclusion to their season… Willow Glen secured the NorCal Division II crown with a walk-off hit by McKenna Campbell against Notre Dame-Salinas, relying on young pitcher Alanna Clincy and timely hitting.
MORAGA – California player Kaitlyn Le celebrates with her teammate after the game. San Ramon Valley and California competed in an NCS Division I high school softball championship at Saint Mary’s College in Moraga, California, on Friday, May 26, 2023. (Joseph Dycus/Bay Area News Group)
California surged in the North Coast Section Division I playoffs, defeating College Park and Granada before claiming the section title against San Ramon Valley at Saint Mary’s College. The Grizzlies then challenged Central-Fresno in the NorCal Open, the same team that pushed St. Francis to nine innings… Pinole Valley triumphed in the NCS Division III led by pitcher Kailani Tatro, finishing with a remarkable 29-2 record… Live Oak secured the CCS Division IV title.
St. Francis’ Kate Munnerlyn (8) delivers a pitch against San Ramon in the fourth inning at St. Francis High School in Mountain View, California, on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group)
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES
St. Francis showcased dominance in the Bay Area, attributed to their dynamic pitching pair of Kate Munnerlyn and Shannon Keighran (possessing a 1.00 career ERA). The return of these seniors poses a challenge to the region, supported by formidable hitters like Jaime Oakland, the 2023 WCAL player of the year. Munnerlyn’s exceptional performance with a 0.55 ERA, .350 batting average, and 31 RBIs solidified her as an all-around threat. With a remarkable 36-1 record in the WCAL since 2019, the Lancers have established their prowess… Archbishop Mitty emerges as a potential contender with the return of Corri Hicks, McKenna Woliczko, and Mia Rodriguez… California showcased resilience in clinching their first North Coast Section title in school history.
DANVILLE – San Ramon Valley player Sophia Jin (57) steals third base. San Ramon Valley and Freedom competed in an NCS Division I high school softball playoff at San Ramon Valley High School in Danville, California, on Wednesday, May 24, 2023. (Joseph Dycus/Bay Area News Group)
Challenges await in the EBAL with San Ramon Valley, Granada, and Amador Valley poised for league and section title pursuits. Noteworthy players like SRV’s Sophia Jin, known for her speed, are set to make an impact… Sequoia, Capuchino, and Carlmont are expected to be competitive in the Peninsula Athletic League Bay Division… Heritage anticipates a rebound under Coach Ron Rivers’ guidance after a slightly underwhelming season… Encinal relies on power hitter Lola Whalen for a strong presence in the WACC Shoreline and beyond… Willow Glen’s Alanna Clincy’s pitching prowess positions them as a potential challenger to the WCAL powers.
LIVERMORE – Granada player Delaney Aumua celebrates with teammates. Livermore and Granada played a high school softball game at Livermore High School’s field in Livermore, California, on Friday, April 14, 2023 (Joseph Dycus/Bay Area News Group)
De Anza showcases exceptional speed, stealing 263 bases in 20 games last season, hinting at continued dominance in base stealing… On the opposite spectrum, Granada led by Delaney Aumua, known for her powerful hitting with eight home runs and a .443 average… Livermore features star player Jae Cosgriff, committed to Minnesota, with impressive batting statistics.
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
Willow Glen starting pitcher Alanna Clincy (89) throws against Notre Dame-Salinas High School in the seventh inning of their NorCal Division II championship game at Willow Glen High School in San Jose, California, on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
(in alphabetical order)
- Delaney Aumua, IF, Granada, junior
- Alanna Clincy, P Willow Glen, sophomore
- Kaylee Davis, P, Amador Valley, junior
- Riana Everetts, IF, De Anza, junior
- Sophia Gandara, P, Leigh, junior
- Corri Hicks, C, Archbishop Mitty, senior
- Sophia Jin, OF, San Ramon Valley, junior
- Kaitlyn Le, P, California, senior
- Avery Motroni, OF, Capuchino, junior
- Kate Munnerlyn, P, St. Francis, senior
- Jaime Oakland, OF, St. Francis, sophomore
- Mylia Perez, IF, Dougherty Valley, senior
- Julia Simón, C, Presentation, sophomore
- Maya Soto, P, Freedom, senior
- Lola Whalen, IF, Encinal, senior
- McKenna Woliczko, IF, Archbishop Mitty, sophomore
OTHER NOTABLES
LAFAYETTE – Monte Vista junior Ella Stolarzyk attempts to outrun a throw by Foothill catcher Marissa Anderson. Monte Vista and Foothill faced off in a high school softball game at Foothill High School in Pleasanton, California, on Friday, Mar. 30, 2023 (Joseph Dycus/Bay Area News Group)
- Marissa Anderson, C, Foothill, senior
- Mariah Avalos, P, Santa Teresa, senior
- Mia Bennette, IF, The King’s Academy, sophomore
- Makenna Choi, P, Northgate, junior
- Jae Cosgriff, OF, Livermore, senior
- Jaime Elkington, IF, Sequoia, sophomore
- Emma French, IF, Benicia, junior
- Bronwyn James, P, Oakland, junior
- Shannon Keighran, P, St. Francis, senior
- Angelina Rogers, IF, South San Francisco, senior
- Andrea Toledo, IF, Mt. Eden, senior
- Sienna Wilson, IF, Willow Glen, junior
- Kaliya Yco, IF, Branham, senior
Bay Area News Group softball preseason Top 20
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- ST. FRANCIS (28-4)
- ARCHBISHOP MITTY (21-5)
- GRANADA (21-6)
- WILLOW GLEN (23-7)
- CALIFORNIA (21-9)
- SAN RAMON VALLEY (23-7)
- CAPUCHINO (22-6)
- HERITAGE (17-6)
- MILPITAS (21-5)
- WESTMONT (20-9)
- AMADOR VALLEY (15-12)
- SEQUOIA (18-6)
- FREEDOM (18-10)
- COLLEGE PARK (17-9)
- NORTHGATE (15-5)
- CLAYTON VALLEY (17-6)
- LIVERMORE (15-12)
- SOBRATO (19-4)
- BRANHAM (16-10)
- PINOLE VALLEY (29-2)