The honors keep pouring in for recent Ceres High grad Heidi Eisenbeis. She was named to the 2005 Cal-Hi Sports All-State Softball Team last week. The announcement was made on Wednesday.

"There were more than 200 candidates," said Mark Tennis, Cal-Hi Sports executive director. "She was one of the best outfielders."

Added Ceres High coach Mike Corsaut: "I'm not surprised. It shows that hard work pays off."

Eisenbeis earned second-team, all-state honors. A total of seven outfielders were recognized, including four on the first team and three on the second team.

Eisenbeis made second-team underclassman as a junior.

"I live in Stockton, so I'm pretty familiar with her hitting and defense," Tennis said. "She had another real good year."

Eisenbeis played in 29 games. She batted .388 with eight triples, four doubles, 14 runs and 15 RBI en route to leading Ceres High to the Modesto Metro Conference championship at 13-12 and 22-6-1 overall record. Eisenbeis had a .624 slugging percentage.

At the beginning of the season, Eisenbeis played second base. She moved to center field after being slowed by a right rotator cuff injury.

"She did what was best for the team and got recognized for it," Corsaut said. "That's awesome."

Eisenbeis had a storied career at Ceres High. She helped guide the varsity Bulldogs to three league titles and four playoff appearances.

Eisenbeis started and earned all-league honors every year. She made the first team as a senior and freshman, and second team as a junior. Eisenbeis claimed honorable-mention honors as a sophomore.

In November, Eisenbeis signed a national letter of intent to play softball for Saint Mary's College. She leaves for college later this month. - By DALE BUTLER / Staff reporter of the Ceres (Calif.) Courier