KING CITY — King City Mustangs’ softball team didn’t end the season the way they wanted, but winning a league title and hosting their first-ever playoff game on top of many players winning awards made this year one to remember for their fans.
This year the Lady Mustangs had six players make the first and second all-league teams in the Cypress Division, as well as earn league awards for Defensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player.
First team Cypress
Sophomore Malaya Carrillo was the workhouse on the mound as she pitched 133 innings this year. But it wasn’t just her ability to pitch that made her stand out, it was also her hitting as she finished near the top in hits (32) and RBIs (19).
Junior Sage Flores not only made the first team all-league, but she was also named the Cypress Division’s Defensive Player of the Year.
When watching Flores this year, one could bet that she wouldn’t have a clean uniform by the end of the game. The shortstop was remarkable this year, not just with the glove but as the lead-off hitter. She was always setting the tone for the big innings the Mustangs’ bats would often produce.
Sophomore Lisa Villanueva was not just the best hitter in the Cypress Division, but she might be the best in the Pacific Coast Athletic League (PCAL). Villanueva earned first team all-league honors in addition to being named the Cypress Division’s MVP. She led PCAL in home runs (14) and RBIs (55).
Second team Cypress
Senior center fielder Victoria Hamilton missed the beginning of the season due to a knee injury. Anyone who has seen Hamilton play this year can tell she is one of the best all-around players in PCAL. If she was healthy for a full season, no doubt she would have put up better numbers.
Senior Skila Reyes, the four-year varsity player, had a monster season this year at second base and with the bat. She finishes the season third on the team in hits (34) and fourth in RBIs (22).
Junior Kayla Tankersley had a traffic season swinging the bat. She was among the leaders in hits (29), triples (3), home runs (2) and RBIs (28).
