Notebook: MJC women’s golf captures yet another state crown; Nuts announce promotion
When MJC’s women’s golf team came together for its first practice, it didn’t take long for head coach Milan Motroni to realize she had something special.
“This team came in at a talent level where myself and coach (Dana) Ebster knew they were going to be a very talented and good team.” said Motroni
She was right. Though eight of the team’s nine players came in as freshmen, on Nov. 15, 2021 on the Cypress Ridge Golf Club course, the Pirates were able to win their second state championship in program history.
Their first state title came in 2017, but that team had mostly sophomores and Motroni admits that year, it came as more of a “surprise.”
This year’s team became close from Day One.
“We’re all local. A few of us are from Oakdale and then Enochs, Gregori and Pitman,” said freshman and Gregori graduate Makena Ebster. “We all played against each other in high school so we all knew who each other were ... and we got along right from the start. It was really cool because we all became really good friends after the first week of practice.”
That chemistry helped when the team hit a rough spot at what seemed like the worst possible time.
After placing first in every regular season tournament, they struggled in the NorCal Regionals, finishing second.
“That was kind of like, one of our points where (we were) like, ‘Whoa, that’s kind of scary,’” said freshman Shealyn Hanrahan. “We just had a really bad round so when we went to states, we were like, ‘Well, let’s just regroup and make it better.’”
They ended the first day of the state tournament trailing by four strokes but rallied on day two.
Madison Blanc (Oakdale) carded a 2-under-par 70 and Janea Caparros (Enochs) added a 1-under-par 71 to help Modesto erase the deficit and post a tournament-best, one-day team score of 307.
“I just wanted to do well for the team,” said Caparros, who shot a personal best on the second day of the state tournament. “(Day two) was one of those days where nothing could go wrong. I was just super excited, especially to help the team because that was one of my goals. Just help the team win state.”
Local football players participating in “The Bay vs. The Valley” All-Star Game: About a dozen Stanislaus District football players will have another opportunity to wear their pads on Saturday, Jan. 15 in the Bay Area Classic HS Senior Showcase. Bee’s football Player of the Year Aiden Taylor will join Enochs receiver Isaac Adams, offensive lineman Jacob Edmond (Central Catholic) and tight end Ej Lewis (Escalon) among other local standouts as they compete against top talent from the Bay Area.
The game will be held at the Burrell Field & Sports Complex in San Leandro. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Gates open an hour before.
To view the entire roster visit the Gunner Sportz website or their Twitter.
Pitman High coach honored by section: Pitman water polo and swimming coach Lisa Avrett was one of six recipients of the 2021-22 Sac-Joaquin Section Model Coach Award. According to a release sent by the section, the award honors “coaches who are positive role models within our schools and the community at large.”
In addition to her contributions to Pitman’s athletics department, Avrett also volunteers with the Red Cross, teaching and training lifeguards and she’s been a coach with Modesto-Stanislaus Water Polo for 23 years.
“Lisa’s totally invested in the development of young women here at Pitman,” Pitman athletic director Dave Walls said. “And as a coach has demonstrated the true qualities of trustworthiness, respect and fairness. She’s invested so much of her heart and time in growing Pitman aquatics.”
Avrett, who is the fourth Pitman coach to win the award, was one of two honorees selected to represent the Sac-Joaquin Section at the statewide level. Kirk Klucznik of Bear Creek was selected as the section’s other representative.
Modesto Nuts announce new Assistant GM: On Monday, the Modesto Nuts, Class A Affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, announced the promotion of Veronica Hernandez from Director of Marketing and Promotions to Assistant General Manager.
Prior to joining the Nuts as Director of Marketing and Promotions in 2018, Hernandez worked for the Mariners’ Double-A Affiliate, the Arkansas Travelers and the Lancaster JetHawks.
“The future is bright for baseball in Modesto and I am honored to be apart of the team to continue making lasting memories for all fans who visit our ballpark.” Hernandez said.
MJC WBB cracks California Top 20: The Modesto Junior College women’s basketball team continues its strong start into conference play. The Pirates are currently 13-2, 2-1 in conference and have won seven of their last nine games.
After an 8-1 start, the Pirates earned the 20th spot in the Dec. 6 California Community College Women’s Basketball Coaches Association. They have been in the Top 20 ever since and came in at No. 19 in the Dec. 10 edition of the rankings.
The Pirates played Sierra College, the fourth ranked team in California, on Wednesday. After being in control for a large part of the game, MJC was unable to finish the game out, losing 76-73.
They will have a quick turnaround as they travel to No. 17 Santa Rosa on Friday.
“We have a 24 hour rule win or loss,” said head coach Rachel Finnegan after the loss. “There’s so many little things you can pick out but you just grow and learn from it.”
Freshman Reina Saucedo (Ripon) is averaging a double-double, scoring 20.1 points and grabbing 10.7 rebounds a game. Annie Winton (Livingston) and Melissa Brady (Enochs) chip in 14.9 and 10.3 points, respectively.
This story was originally published January 14, 2022 at 6:00 AM.
