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Hawks improve in softball
Julia Roton
Julia Roton suited up for Central Valley’s softball team for the final time on May 12. Roton contributed at the varsity level for three seasons.

Central Valley’s softball team fell short of its goal this spring.

The Hawks amassed a 7-16 overall record and placed fourth in the Central California Conference standings (5-7).

Merced (11-1), Golden Valley (9-3) and Atwater (8-4) secured the CCC’s three playoff spots.

Central Valley edged Atwater 5-3 on April 28.

“This is the highest CV has ever finished in the CCC since I’ve been here—one position out of playoffs,” Hawks’ head coach Regina Selfridge said. “We had tons of improvement.”

The Hawks defeated the Buhach Colony Thunder 10-7 on May 10 in Atwater.

“It’s definitely one of our top hitting (performances) of the season,” Selfridge said.

Central Valley pitcher Janessa Godinez yielded six earned runs and 10 hits with four strikeouts and five walks while earning her fourth conference win of the season.

Godinez batted 1-for-4 with one RBI and one run.

Victoria Lloyd batted 3-for-4 with one triple, one double, two RBIs and one run.

Jannet Valencia batted 2-for-4 with one triple, three RBIs and two runs.

Micaela Martinez batted 0-for-2 with two RBIs and one run.

Kylie Maines batted 1-for-2 with two runs.

Priscilla Hamidat and Destiny Herrera both batted 1-for-4 with one run.

Soriah Corona collected one RBI.

Julia Roton scored once.

Central Valley lost 8-1 to Golden Valley on Senior Day in Ceres on May 12.

“It was a tough matchup,” Selfridge said. “We competed the first three innings.”

Maines and Roton suited up for the Hawks for the final time.

The two seniors garnered special recognition before the game started.

Maines and Roton both contributed at the varsity level for three seasons. 

“They were the glue,” Selfridge said. “They were great leaders. Both of them brought unique attributes to the team. They represent what a true Hawk is. They’re well-rounded students other students look up to. It’s what should be emulated on campus.”

Godinez gave up six earned runs and six hits with no strikeouts and four walks in the circle.

Valencia batted 2-for-3 with one run.

Lloyd batted 0-for-3 with one RBI.

Godinez batted 1-for-3 with one double.

Martinez singled.

Central Valley could return as many as eight players from this year’s team in 2023, including Corona, Valencia, Godinez, Herrera, Peterman, Martinez, Lloyd and Hamidat.

The Hawks will also add players from a junior squad, which posted a perfect 12-0 record on its way to a first-place finish in the 2022 CCC standings.

Central Valley will try to clinch its first-ever postseason berth.

“I’m looking forward to next season,” Selfridge said. “I think we’re going to make playoffs, especially with the talent we have coming back. Other teams are losing players. We’re going to be a tough team to beat.”

Kylie Maines
Central Valley’s softball program will lose two players to graduation, including three-year contributor Kylie Maines.