Providence softball quartet earns all-league accolades

Among a group of players on this season’s Providence High softball team were three seniors who weren’t naturals on the diamond.

Those three players were outfielder Rachel Camonayan, shortstop Fabi Jimenez and second baseman/catcher Emily Mai.

“Those players really weren’t softball players,” Providence Coach Joel Curtis said. “They played other sports and they were good athletes, but they really hadn’t played a lot of softball. But because they had the physical ability we were able to turn them into softball players. They were able to accomplish a lot not being softball players to start off with.”

Camonayan, Jimenez and Mai, along with sophomore Francesca Maravilla, were recognized for their efforts this past season by being named to the singular All-Liberty League team.

For Jimenez, an All-CIF Southern Section selection during a four-year tenure for the Pioneers girls’ basketball team, it was her fourth straight all-league honor in softball.

”Fabi just has a great deal of physical ability,” Curtis said. “She really did a tremendous job for us not only this season, but during her four years with us. She really did a lot for our program.”

Camonayan was another player who excelled on the hardwood as well as on the diamond for Providence. Last season, the senior was an All-CIF basketball pick as well as being named the Liberty League Player of the Year.

”Rachel is just a great competitor,” Curtis said. “She was a righty and we taught her how to bat left-handed and she really picked that up. She was also a great outfielder.”

Mai started the season at second base, but an injury to one of the Pioneers’ key players prompted a change in position.

”She was our starting second baseman, but when our catcher hurt her thumb, we had to move Emily behind the plate and she did a great job,” Curtis said. “She took to it naturally and never complained about it; she just put her head down and went to work every day.

”But really with all three of those seniors, they did whatever we asked of them. It was a pleasure coaching them.”

Maravilla began the season injured, but came on to help the Pioneers (8-5, 6-2 in league) finish second in league behind Archer and qualify for the playoffs.

“Once we got her healthy, she was a real important part of our team,” Curtis said. “For being just a sophomore she really played well and she didn’t get rattled being so young.”

Sophomore pitcher Kam Bellamy and freshman catcher Morgan Dennis of Archer were named the league’s co-players of the year.