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CHS freshmen earn all-conference accolades for outstanding varsity play
Central Valley trio garners recogntion along with Bulldogs
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Nicole Bates, pictured, and Bulldog teammates Mahlena ONeal, Mackenzie Veuve and Kaytlin Donaldson were selected to the Western Athletic Conference First Team. - photo by Dale Butler

Ceres High School's varsity softball team compiled an 8-4 record on its way to a runner-up finish in the Western Athletic Conference standings this year.

Central Valley placed sixth with a 3-9 mark.

Four Bulldog players and three Hawks earned all-league honors for their outstanding play as voted on by the conference's coaches.

"We had other girls that were just as deserving," Ceres High head coach Donnie Donaldson said.

Ceres High underclassmen Mahlena O'Neal, Nicole Bates, MacKenzie Veuve and Kaytlin Donaldson were selected to the WAC First Team.

"I couldn't be more proud of them," coach Donaldson said. "Our schedule was very tough. They had phenomenal years."

Mahlena, a freshman catcher, hit .585 with one homer, two triples, six doubles, 17 RBIs and seven runs.

"She's an unbelievable talent," coach Donaldson said. "I turned over pitch-calling duties to her this year. She learned a lot. She's like a coach on the field for me."

Nicole, a freshman shortstop who made a verbal commitment to University of Washington prior to the start of the season, hit .558 with three triples, two doubles, eight RBIs, 24 runs and eight stolen bases.

"I'm very pleased with how she performed this year," Donnie Donaldson said. "She played like she had something to prove every single game."

Veuve contributed at pitcher, first base and third base during her first season with the Bulldogs.

MacKenzie hit .436 with three homers, six doubles, 20 RBIs and nine runs.

She posted a 5-2 record on the mound with a 3.30 ERA, 34 strikeouts and four complete games.

"She did it all," coach Donaldson said.

Kaytlin Donaldson (P/OF/1B/3B) hit .238 with one homer, one double, 14 RBIs and seven runs.

She finished 3-2 as a pitcher with a 1.60 ERA, 19 strikeouts, two no-hitters, two shutouts and four complete games.

Central Valley's Mia Lorenzo, Malynda Lomeli and Lexy Cordova received second-team, all-league accolades.

Lorenzo, a junior catcher/shortstop, batted .341 with 10 RBIs.

Lomeli, a senior shortstop, batted .385 with 17 RBIs.
Cordova, a junior pitcher/first baseman/outfielder, batted .262 with 14 RBIs.

Mia, Malynda and Lexy helped the Hawks triple their win total from the 2012 season.