Jill OttoRancho Alamitos, Sr.Softball / PitcherOtto was...

Jill Otto

Rancho Alamitos, Sr.

Softball / Pitcher

Otto was the Vaqueros’ backup pitcher last season but didn’t get much action because Destiny Mollison was the starter. Mollison has graduated and Otto is now excelling beyond most expectations. Last week, she had a no-hitter in a 9-0 victory over Century, a one-hitter in a 6-0 victory over Valencia and a two-hitter in a 6-0 victory over Aliso Niguel. She faced 65 batters in 20 innings and struck out 31, including 15 of the 19 Century batters she faced. Otto, who started at first base last season, also batted .375 for the week.

Other notables:

* Nicole Erickson, Brea-Olinda, had 16 points, five steals and five assists in a victory over San Jose Archbishop Mitty for the State Division III title.

* Gina Heads, Newport Harbor, won the shotput in 40 feet 8 inches and the discus in 124-2 1/2 in a 81-42 victory over Irvine.

* Kathy Ponce, Ocean View, pitched a no-hitter, two-hitter and three-hitter in the Laguna Hills softball tournament.

* Stefanie Ruiz, Aliso Niguel, went four for four with a grand slam and six runs batted in in a 20-5 victory over Southern California Christian.