Ceres High’s Mike Corsaut enjoyed the experience of serving as head coach of the Western Athletic Conference team at the Fifth Annual Paul Leonardo Memorial All-Star Games earlier this month in Livingston.

“I’d coach again in a heartbeat,” Corsaut said. “It was so much fun. The girls all got along great.”

A total of five all-league players from Ceres High suited up for the Corsaut-led WAC squad, including Megan Yorba, Rebecca DeLeon, Brooklyn Heffernan, Shania Evans and Vianney Perez.

Bulldog Cheralyn Durossette also earned an all-star invitation but couldn’t play due to another commitment.

“We all got to play at different times,” Perez said.

“There were always Ceres girls on the field,” Corsaut said.

Yorba was named Most Outstanding Pitcher for the day.

She also logged playing time in left field.

DeLeon was named the WAC’s Most Outstanding Player.

She logged playing time at first base.

Heffernan (pitcher/centerfielder), Evans (shortstop/outfielder) and Perez (second base/shortstop) contributed at multiple positions on defense.

Yorba and DeLeon both received $500 scholarships from the Paul Leonardo Memorial Scholarship Foundation.

“The all-star games are always fun,” said Perez, a third-year participant. “You get to connect with old teammates and girls you played against all season.”

The WAC won one of its two games.

The WAC pulled away for a 10-2 win over the West Sierra League on June 11 at the Livingston Softball Complex.

Heffernan started at pitcher and allowed one run in two innings.

Yorba tossed three scoreless innings of relief.

“We were able to string some hits together and win the game,” Perez said. 

The WAC lost 4-1 to the Central California Conference.

“It was competitive,” Corsaut said. 

Marissa Bertuccio (Golden Valley) starred at pitcher for the CCC.

“Against pitchers like that, you have to have a game plan,” Perez said. “She hits her spots well and knows what pitches to throw to keep you off-balance.”

“She’s one of the best pitchers in the nation,” Corsaut said. “She dominated the first few innings.”

Evans hit a solo homer in defeat.

Heffernan gave up no runs in two innings.

Yorba allowed no runs in one inning.

“We still had so much fun even though we lost,” Perez said. “That’s the point.”

DeLeon, Yorba, Heffernan, Evans and Perez teamed up with players from Los Banos, Pacheco, Beyer, Grace Davis and Mountain House.

“The all-round talent was amazing,” Corsaut said. 

Heffernan, Evans, DeLeon, Perez, Yorba and Durossette helped lead Ceres High to the WAC championship (13-1) during the springtime.

Heffernan was named the conference’s co-MVP.

She batted .481 from the plate with one homer, two triples, six doubles, 16 RBIs and 15 runs.

Heffernan posted a 6-0 record at pitcher with a 1.17 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 42 innings.

Evans, DeLeon and Perez received first-team honors.

Evans batted .431 with one homer, three triples, 11 doubles, 13 RBIs and 17 runs. 

DeLeon batted .429 with three homers, seven doubles, 19 RBIs and 11 runs.

Perez batted .317 with three homers, one triple, three doubles, eight RBIs and 19 runs.

Yorba and Durossette garnered second-team recognition.

Yorba compiled a 6-1 record at pitcher with a 2.21 ERA, 51 strikeouts and one save in 45 innings.

Durossette batted .298 with one homer, eight RBIs and nine runs.