Former Ceres High softball standout Rayohna Sagapolu contributed as a true freshman at San Jose State this past spring.
Sagapolu played in 38 games.
All but two of her 34 starts were at third base.
“Just being able to start was a thrill,” Rayohna said. “Not to sound cocky, but I went in expecting to start. I didn’t mind where I was on the field as long as I was playing.”
Rayohna collected three doubles, 12 singles, five RBIs, eight runs and 14 walks.
“I enjoyed the competition. The pitchers have more spin and speed, and they can hit their spots better.”Rayohna Sagapolu
“Going to college, you’re playing MVPs from different high schools,” she said. “I enjoyed the competition. The pitchers have more spin and speed, and they can hit their spots better.”
Sagapolu had a season-best seven-game hitting streak from March 29 to April 14.
Defensively, Rayohna had 52 putouts, 77 assists and eight errors.
She made one appearance at pitcher.
She allowed one hit in one inning.
“There’s always room for improvement,” Sagapolu added.
San Jose State compiled a 32-17 overall record and placed second in the Mountain West Conference standings (16-8).
The Spartans claimed the MWC crown in 2017.
“It put a certain kind of pressure on us,” Sagapolu stated. “Our team did well. But I wouldn’t say we exceeded our expectations. Don’t count us out next year. We might take the (MWC) title.”
A nursing major, Rayohna completed 14 units each semester.
She had a 3.6 GPA in the fall.
“Hopefully, I can keep that going,” Sagapolu said while talking about her success in the classroom. “It’s definitely a lot more stressful than high school.”
Sagapolu starred on Ceres High’s varsity softball team for four seasons.
She was voted Most Valuable Player of the Western Athletic Conference during her senior year at Ceres High.
She earned first-team all-WAC honors as a junior, sophomore and freshman.
Rayohna posted a career batting average of .429 with 13 homers, four triples, 34 doubles, 112 RBIs and 107 runs.
She compiled a 21-10 record with 197 strikeouts and two no-hitters at pitcher.
Sagapolu helped lead the Bulldogs to 86 victories, one Sac-Joaquin Section championship and four WAC titles.
“Being a college athlete, you get to meet a lot of different people,” Rayhona said. “It opens a lot of new doors.”
