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Nunes proves shes elite at the next level
callienunes
Callie Nunes - photo by Contributed to the Courier

Ceres High grad/Concordia University freshman pitcher Callie Nunes was named a top eight finalist for 2018 Schutt Sports/National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division II National Player of the Year this past week.

The top 25 was narrowed to eight on May 15, and the winner will be announced today.

"I expected myself to succeed but not to this degree," Nunes said. "It's been fun."

Callie has been awarded multiple times this spring for her excellence at pitcher.

She was named the Division II Conference Commissioners Association West Region Pitcher of the Year on May 14.

She was also selected to the D2CCA West Region First Team and National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-West Region First Team.

Nunes won the PacWest Conference Pitcher of the Year and Freshman of the Year awards.

She earned first-team all-conference honors.

"I've met my expectations," Nunes said. "I made a name for myself."

Nunes compiled a 25-4 record with a 0.74 ERA, 291 strikeouts, 18 complete games, two no-hitters and a school-record eight saves.

"Pitching is always a work in progress," said Callie, who allowed just 20 earned runs in 1901/3 innings and limited opponents to a .129 batting average.

Nunes finished first in the country in ERA and strikeouts during the regular season.

"She throws year-round," said Angela Durossette, Nunes high-school coach at the varsity level in 2016. "In order to be the best, that's what you have to do."

"I'm a very tough mentally," Callie said. "Things don't tend to get to me. The only pressure I feel is the pressure I put on myself."

The Eagles went 46-14 on the year and claimed the PacWest Conference title outright with a 26-6 mark.

Concordia University won 24 of its last 25 regular-season games.

The Eagles reeled off 14 straight victories.

Concordia University hosted the NCAA West Regionals for the first time in program history.

"I always set the highest goals I can think of," Nunes said. "I'm proud of myself. I'm very happy with how each person did on my team."