1995 LOS ANGELES TIMES : All-Valley Softball Team : Player & Pitcher of the Year : Parker, Kranz Dominated

Surprise, surprise. Kelli Kranz is getting what she deserves.

After being overlooked for postseason honors a year ago, Kranz came back to bat .459 for Saugus High’s Foothill League championship softball team. At shortstop, she committed only one error in more than 90 chances.

Awards are flowing in. First she was selected Southern Section Division II player of the year. Now she is The Times’ Valley player of the year.

“It blows me away,” she said. “I’m surprised I’m getting recognized.”

Kranz had 45 hits, scored 33 runs and drove in 38 runs, tops among area players from large schools. Her 17 triples are one short of the section career record.

After finishing her four-year varsity career with 120 hits, Kranz is headed for Southwest Texas State on scholarship.

“I think my concentration level went up this year,” Kranz said. “My father said, ‘Kelli, you’re a senior and you’ve got to be the leader and do the job.’ I just wanted to help my team win.”