SGV/Whittier Prep Sports Zone: All-Area Softball Team (Seniors Only)
The best of the best SENIOR players are highlighted on this team.
This All-Area Team is comprised of ONLY SENIORS that performed well for their teams in 2023. There will be no individual honors, just a straight first and second team.
1ST TEAM
PITCHERS
Audrey Gallegos, South Hills – Gallegos was overpowering in the circle, but she got the job done throughout the year and played a huge role (along with Mia Del Real) in South Hills winning another Hacienda League title. Gallegos made 16 appearances in 2023 with a 2.83 ERA with 69 strikeouts.
Elisa Gulfin, St. Paul – The University of Nebraska signee had a slow start to the season but picked it up quite nicely midway through the season and continually showed why she is a high-level Division 1 pitcher. She struck out 113 hitters in 26 appearances this season.
Riley Laygo, Whittier Christian – Someone had to pick up the slack in the circle for Brooklyn Carreon (who is at the University of Utah) and Riley more than filled the cups of Heralds softball fans this year. The University of Rochester signee finished the season with a 20-4 record, 2.38 ERA, and fanned 71 hitters this year.
Emily McCoskey, Diamond Ranch – When it came to Valle Vista League action, no pitcher was more dominant that this UC Santa Barbara signee. McCoskey finished the season with a 14-3 record, 1.24 ERA, and struck out a mind-numbing 168 hitters. No wonder the Panthers easily won the Valley Vista League title.
Bridgette Nemeth, Glendora – When you ask those inside the Glendora program, they'll point out that the mental growth of Nemeth has been very impressive. The Penn State signee wasn't just dominant in the circle, but she was a force to be reckoned with at the plate. She finished the year 12-6 with a 1.14 ERA and 137 strikeouts. She also led the team in home runs with 8.
Brooklyn Shroyer, Bonita – One of the premier pitchers in the area will leave Bonita as the program as the most dominant pitcher. She helped lead the Bearcats to a CIF-SS title in her junior year and was just as overpowering in 2023. The Fairleigh Dickinson signee compiled a 16-5 record with a 1.65 ERA and an area-leading 211 strikeouts. Quite simply remarkable!
CATCHER
Layla Albarran, Sonora – There was no senior catcher that produced more on a daily basis than this Felican University signee. Albarran compiled a team-leading .478 batting average with 4 homers and 18 RBIs. Solid as a rock behind the plate as well.
Paris Guzman, Santa Fe – The catching position was very deep in the Del Rio League this year, so for Guzman to be named a second team in the league is quite an accomplishment. She was one of the main reasons why Santa Fe made a deep run in the playoffs this year. Guzman finished the year with a hefty .338 batting average with 15 RBIs.
INFIELDERS
Jessica Alaan, Diamond Ranch – The Panthers weren't all about Emily McCoskey. Alaan was superb all year with offensive numbers that included a .340 batting average and scoring 12 times. She'll be playing collegiate softball next year at
Natalie Craig, La Mirada – Craig showed throughout the year that she had a steady glove in the infielders and good production at the plate. Craig finished the year with a .321 batting average and 17 RBIs. Bethune-Cookman.
Alyssa Hernandez, South El Monte – To say that this player was consistent in the Mission Valley League this year was quite an understatement. Hernandez concluded her season with an impressive batting average of .389 with 14 RBIs.
Sarah Perez, La Serna – This shortstop was the leadoff hitter for the majority of the season on Jason Clay's lineup card and came through with timely hits throughout the year. She was a member of that impressive three-batter lineup at the top of the lineup card that drove opposing pitchers crazy. She had a batting average of a mind-boggling .587. She'll be playing softball next year at Cal State Fullerton.
Fabiola Serna, La Serna – Another member of the power trio at the top of the Lancers lineup, Serna, who will be attending Dartmouth College next season, showed terrific prowess at second base and at the plate with a .368 batting average with 15 RBIs.
Isabella Venegas, South Hills – Another hitter that provided constant offensive pressure to opposing pitchers all season long, Venegas' numbers included a .522 batting average (2nd best in the area), with a team-leading 33 RBIs.
OUTFIELDERS
Makenna Coleman, Glendora – Coleman's talent was evident throughout the year as she delivered key hits throughout the year. The Bryant University signee led the team in batting average (.406), hits (26), and drove in 12 RBIs.
Gaby Gandara, St. Paul – On a team that was littered with stars, her star was one of the brightest. Gandara's .520 batting average was good enough to be a team-best, she also had 10 doubles and brought in 22 RBIs.
Sophia Kissling, La Habra -La Habra fans were once again spoiled by the performance of this senior that will be attending Seattle University next year. She finished the year leading in several offensive categories that included batting average (*.476) and RBIs (16).
Alina Guerrero, El Rancho – One of the fastest outfielders in the area, Guerrero showed time and again why she is considered one of the top outfielders in the Whittier area. The Cal State Bakersfield signee completed the 2023 season with a .310 batting average.
Amber Rodriguez, Northview - The Valle Vista League’s Most Valuable player had a huge year at the plate with a .603 batting average with 21 RBIs and 2 home runs. She can swing with the best in the east region of the valley.
Tiara Westbrook, Arcadia – It was the consensus opinion that Westbrook was truly the best player in the west region of the valley. Her prowess at the plate was intimidating to opposing pitchers and she could also play the outfield very well. Her offensive numbers included a .465 batting average, team leading 30 RBIs, 13 doubles, and 9 home runs. With those numbers, you can understand why she'll be playing college softball at Oregon State.
Amira Villanueva, Bishop Amat – It was a solid year for Villanueva as she finished the year with a .410 batting average with a solid defensive performance.
UTILITY
Candace Ceballos, Charter Oak – The Chargers gave Diamond Ranch a run for their money for the Valle Vista League title and this player is one of the reasons why. She was solid in the outfield and made huge contributions offensively, which included a huge game against San Dimas late in the year.
Samantha Centeno, Covina – Here was another Valle Vista League player that delivered top performances throughout the season. She led the team in multiple offensive categories that included batting average (.570), RBIs (40), and doubles (13). She'll be playing softball next season in college at Minnesota State-Moorhead.
Julia Kearney, Sonora – Another player that had a big year that paid off in a big way with a late scholarship off to Norfolk State, which she signed in April. Kearney completed the 2023 season with a .328 batting average with 12 RBIs.
Emma Lopez, Los Altos – One of the top utility players in the valley this year, she made huge contributions throughout the year and more than deserved to be on this list.
Mireya Rico, Bonita – Rico flashed the leather very nicely at third base this year and showed that she can swing the bat proficiently. She had the third-best batting average on the team (.310 ) and drove in 11 runs.
Brooke Subia, Charter Oak – The best player on the Chargers squad throughout the year. Her performances against Covina (2-4, 3 RBIs), Northview, and La Canada showed everyone why she is going to play softball next year at Portland State.
2nd TEAM
PITCHERS
Mariah Martinez, La Puente
Giselle Peralta, El Monte
Amanda Sera, Baldwin Park
CATCHERS
Monika Escobedo, Bishop Amat
Giselle Lai, Arcadia
INFIELDERS
Tayanna Campos, Alhambra
Nadia Duarte, Whittier
Maria Milton, Flintridge Sacred Heart
Jaky Garcia-Pena, Mountain View
Madison Gasca-Reyes, St. Paul
Lauren Romero, West Covina
Giselle Sasaki, Temple City
OUTFIELDERS
Zahyra Corado, Schurr
Noelle Estephan, San Dimas
Kaillee Miller, Azusa
Victoria Ronquillo, South El Monte
Tiana Smith, Arcadia
UTILITY
Lucero Alcaraz, Monrovia
Brisa Banuelos, Alhambra
Kylie Hernandez, La Serna
Mariah Johnson, La Puente
Leah Limon, Arcadia
Savannah Patino, St. Paul
Jocelyn Robles, Charter Oak