THE TIMES’ ALL-STAR SOFTBALL TEAM

Coach of the Year: Melissa Chavez, El Dorado

Took over the program at mid-season after previous coach was arrested and guided it to the Division II finals despite defections by two starters. She also was honored in 2002 after guiding Golden Hawks to unexpected title before resigning to begin a family.

*--* P Jordan Taylor, Valencia So. Taylor (18-3) ended the season with 58 consecutive scoreless innings, including the last seven in relief during Valencia’s first appearance in a section title game. She struck out 233 in 148 innings, with a 0.57 ERA. P Brittany Weil, Garden Grove Pacifica Sr. Iowa-bound pitcher was credited with 101 career victories, including a 23-3 mark with 0.35 ERA and 290 strikeouts in 162.1 innings this season. A three-time all-star, she gave up a hit every 3 1/3 innings. C Tiffany Huff, Saugus Jr. With 33 runs, 31 RBIs and six homers, Huff accounted for 58 of the Centurions’ 160 runs. She batted .460, had a slugging percentage of .885 and drew 20 walks as Saugus reached the Division I semifinals. 1B DeAnn Young, Camarillo Sr. A repeat all-star, the Oregon State-bound lefty was a source of much anxiety for pitchers. Even though her statistics dipped, she was outstanding by most standards: .374 average, 22 runs and 25 RBIs. IF Jennifer Griffin, California Sr. Smooth-fielding third baseman could be a starter next season for No. 3 Tennessee. She batted .489, with an .803 slugging percentage, and had 34 runs, 27 RBIs, 23 walks and 21 stolen bases. IF Nicole Kajitani, Cajon Jr. The 5-foot-1 middle infielder batted .520 with 30 runs, 26 RBIs and 12 stolen bases. Her 16 doubles were one shy of the section record and helped Cajon reach the section semifinals for first time since 1996. IF Andi Ramirez, Royal Sr. Brigham Young-bound shortstop was the guiding force and undisputed leader for the Division I champion. The Times’ player of the year batted .460 with 39 runs and 18 RBIs from the leadoff spot. OF Katie Chifcian, Rosary Sr. Dynamic Dartmouth-bound right fielder was an outstanding clutch hitter, batting .438 and driving in 33 runs for the Royals. She finished with five home runs and 26 runs scored. OF Kaitlin Cochran, Rosary Sr. Two-time all-star batted .500 over four years. The Arizona State-bound center fielder finished in the top five in the Southern Section for career hits, triples and doubles. She batted .560 with 32 runs and nine RBIs. OF Monica Gonzales, Westlake Sr. Speedy Brigham Young-bound center fielder with great arm and range, Gonzales hit safely in 13 of 14 games against top-25 opponents. She batted .465, scored 24 runs, had 22 steals and six RBIs. UT Briana Santos, Mater Dei Sr. Pacific-bound pitcher (18-5, 1.08 ERA), first baseman and outfielder led Monarchs to Division I semifinals as she batted .374 with 39 RBIs and, when a courtesy runner wasn’t used, nine runs -- four on homers.

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