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Bulldog softball star voted conference MVP
Ceres High School players rewarded for contributions
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Bulldog sophomore Nicole Bates was named the Western Athletic Conferences Most Valuable Player in a vote by the leagues coaches on May 13 in Los Banos. - photo by DALE BUTLER/The Courier

Ceres High School's varsity softball program had a host of contributors while compiling a perfect 12-0 record during the 2014 Western Athletic Conference season.

Bulldog teammats Nicole Bates, Kaytlin Donaldson, Mahlena O'Neal, Megan McCormick, Rayohna Sagapolu, Mackenzie Veuve, Sabrina Baisdon, Jessica Arreola and Camrynn Broumas were recognized in a vote by the league's head coaches on May 13 in Los Banos.

"It's a big reward," Ceres High head coach Donnie Donaldson said. "It's not like I get to choose. I just nominate players. The other coaches vote. I'm just glad the other coaches saw the same thing, too. It reflects the type of season we had. I'm ecstatic. I'm just happy I get to coach this team."

Bates, a sophomore shortstop, won the WAC's Most Valuable Player award.

Nicole hit .511 with three homers, two triples, four doubles, 19 RBIs, 22 runs, five stolen bases and a .872 slugging percentage.

"She had one of those years that's hard to duplicate," coach Donaldson said. "She's a great all-round player. She's not a kid you have to motivate to do well. She's so competitive."

Donaldson and Pacheco's Gia Rodoni shared the WAC Pitcher of the Year award.

Kaytlin, a sophomore, posted a 6-0 record with a 0.68 ERA and 34 strikeouts.

She hit .471 with one homer, one triple, five doubles, 17 RBIs, 17 runs and a 1.000 fielding percentage.

Donaldson started at first base when she wasn't on the mound.

"She had a phenomenal year," Donnie Donaldson said. "She didn't give up an extra base hit in league. She improved so much."

O'Neal, McCormick and Sagapolu were all selected to the WAC First Team.

Mahlena, a sophomore catcher/designated hitter, batted .641 with two doubles, 16 RBIs, five runs and a 1.000 fielding percentage.

Megan, a junior catcher/leftfielder, hit .441 with three homers, three doubles, 16 RBIs, eight runs and three stolen bases.

Rayohna, a freshman, hit .514 with one homer, three triples, one double, 12 RBIs, 11 runs and one stolen base.

She compiled a 6-0 record with a 0.42 ERA and 40 strikeouts while splitting time at pitcher.

"She had a fantastic year as well," coach Donaldson said.

Veuve, a sophomore third baseman, was named to the WAC Second Team.

Mackenzie hit .472 with two homers, three doubles, seven RBIs, nine runs and one stolen base.

Baisdon, Arreola and Broumas were honorable-mention picks.

Sabrina, a sophomore centerfielder, hit .410 with two triples, four doubles, 11 RBIs, 10 runs and one stolen base .

Jessica, a sophomore rightfielder/second baseman, hit .464 with two doubles, one RBI and 16 runs.

Camrynn, a senior second baseman, hit .258 with five RBIs, seven runs and one stolen base.

"This is the best team I've ever coached in high school," coach Donaldson said. "They're a talented group of kids. They work so hard in practice. They play for each other. They set their own goals. They want to improve year to year."