By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
CHS grad a finalist for national player of the year
Nunes leads NCAA Division-II softball in ERA, strikeouts
cn
Freshman Callie Nunes improved her overall pitching record to 24-3 while starring on Concordia University's softball team this past week. - photo by Photo courtesy of Concordia Athletics

Ceres High grad Callie Nunes has been named a finalist for the 2018 Schutt Sports/National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division-II National Player of the Year Award.

"It would be really cool if I won," said Nunes, a 5-foot-5 117-pound standout freshman pitcher with Concordia University's softball team. "But I feel like I've already won. Just being nominated is an honor."

A total of 25 players were nominated for the prestigious award on April 24.

The top 10 finalists will be announced on May 15 and the winner will be revealed on June 4.

"It's definitely something I wasn't expecting," Callie said. "It's unreal, especially with me being the only freshman nominated. To be honest, it's humbling."

Nunes' first year with the Eagles has been nothing short of amazing.

"I've made it a priority to make a name for myself here," she said.

Callie compiled a 24-3 record with a 0.55 earned-run average, 280 strikeouts and eight saves during the regular season.

She allowed just 14 earned runs in 1781/3 innings.

She limited opponents to a .120 batting average.

Nunes leads the nation in ERA and strikeouts.

"I have high expectations for myself," she said. "I want to be the best in everything I do. I'm my own biggest critic."

Callie has earned PacWest weekly honors six times this season.

Nunes and Concordia University won all six of their games last week to secure at least a share of the conference title.

She tallied seven strikeouts in Concordia University's 2-1 win over Biola University in extra innings on Saturday.

Nunes and the Eagles knocked Cal Baptist out of first place with a two-game sweep on April 24.
Callie picked up a win and save.

She allowed just two hits with 13 strikeouts in Concordia University's 7-0 shutout of the Lancers.

Nunes had two strikeouts while tossing one inning of relief in a 2-0 victory against Cal Baptist.

"It's awesome to get the honors," Nunes said. "But it's not something I really think about because it's more of an individual thing. If what I do for my team works, that's what I want to keep doing. I've set goals to help my team succeed."

Nunes and Eagles wrapped up the regular season last week.

Callie helped lead Concordia University to a 45-12 overall record and first-place finish in the PacWest standings (26-6).

The Eagles climbed to No. 2 in the April 25 Division-II West Regional Rankings.

Concordia University won 24 of its last 25 games. The Eagles reeled off 14 straight victories.

Callie and the Eagles will compete in the West Regional Tournament this month.

"This whole year has been a fun ride," Nunes said. "I don't want it to stop. This is the most fun I've had playing softball. Honestly, there's not much pressure. I know how to pitch. When I struggle, my coaches and teammates help me out. Starting from an early age, my parents taught me that no matter the circumstances you always give your best effort."