SAMOHI — Winning a league title has paid off for the Vikings’ softball team.
The primary pitcher-catcher battery from Santa Monica High School’s Ocean League winning team earned the league’s top honors. Junior catcher Emma Woo was named the most valuable player while pitcher and fellow junior Celisha Walker took home the most outstanding player award.
Fellow Vikings Kalie Nakao, Holly Elander, Kelsey Hom and Meghan Bradley all were named to the first team. Hailey Sherdian, Hayley Condon, Natalie Abel and Yaneth Guzman were named to the second team.
Every player with the exception of Guzman are underclassmen and figure to keep Samohi the elite team in the league.
“We look good for next year,” Head Coach Debbie Skaggs said. “We didn’t reach our goal of winning a CIF championship.
“Hopefully we can get past the quarter finals next year and move on to the championship.”
The Vikings were eliminated in the third round of the playoffs by Paloma Valley this season.
St. Monica continues successful year
The Camino Real League winning Mariners baseball team keeps adding to its trophy case.
Senior shortstop Jose Munoz earned league MVP. Munoz was also named to the first team all-league team along with Kyle Schwan, Danny White, Michael Redondo and Anthony Yoshinaga.
The Mariners also placed Andy Loef, Apollo Nestoras and Hector Santiesteban on the second team.
“That’s what happens when you win league,” Head Coach Jack White said.
Pacifica baseball earns honors
The Seawolves’ first season of fielding a baseball team continues to bear fruit.
The team, winners of the Mulholland League, placed several players on both the first and second all-league teams. Freshman Kevin Hammer won league MVP honors.
Keenan Pierandozzi-Howes and Zach McMillan were named to the first team. Austin Wilson and David Hammer were named to the second team.
“This is good for them to boost their confidence,” Head Coach Julian Chavez said. “It shows that they can play at any level.”
Samohi baseball gets noticed
The years of hard work have paid off for a number of Viking seniors.
Seniors Colter Johnson, Walker Dove, Drew Hammond and Ricky Gomez were all named to the Ocean League’s first team.
Fellow seniors Logan Whitchurch and Michael Alonge were named to the second team.
Star pitcher Tyler Skaggs, who was taken by the Los Angeles Angels with the 40th pick in the Major League draft on Tuesday, did not make the team but was nominated by Head Coach Rob Duron. Skaggs missed a good portion of the league schedule with a sprained ankle possibly costing him a spot on the all-league team.
“I’m proud of the kids,” Duron said. “They put up with a lot of stuff this year that was unnecessary and they really persevered.”
