Beckman’s Simon and Woodbridge’s Lim earn co-MVP honors for PCL softball

A number of PCL games were played at Deanna Manning Stadium, home of the Woodbridge Warriors. (Photo: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone)

Beckman infielder Madison Simon and Woodbridge outfielder Kaitlyn Lim were named co-MVPs for the Pacific Coast League softball team.

To see the slide show, please click on the first photo

Simon led the Patriots to the PCL title. Beckman finished with a 9-1 league mark. Simon, a junior, has commited to Duke University.

Simon bounced back from last year’s foot injury to hit 10 home runs, according to her coach and father Lou Simon.

“The Athletics Mercado/Smith 18-and-under infielder  helped her team accomplish something they have not done in over five years and that’s wina PCL division championship,” said Coach Simon.

In 27 games, Simon had 34 RBI, 35 runs scored, 11 doubles and 16 stolen bases while batting over .400 with an on-base percentage of .544 and 14 walks.

“She credits her success for this season, due to her passion and love for the game,” Coach Simon said. “Madi practices constantly off the field in her batting, speed and defense and, when she is not doing that, she visualizes hitting against other pitchers.”

Lim, who is off to Stanford to play softball, helped the Warriors finish second in the league. It was her third MVP honor. Lim was also named to the All-CIF Division 2 team.

“Kate finished off her senior year hitting .600 in the PCL,” said Coach Jerry Rose. “She finished her high school career with 31 home runs, two shy of the all-time school mark held by Jenny Allard at 33.”

Woodbridge senior Ashlee Laver was named PCL pitcher of the year. She had 61 strikeouts in 57 innings and 132 strikeouts in 132 innings, according to Rose. Her ERA in the PCL was 1.70.

The all-league first team:

Megan Mikami, Beckman, junior: Mikami is a member of the So Cal Athletics Richardson 18-and-under travel team. She was the leader in stolen bases in the entire Division IV, according to Coach Simon.

“Megan is not only a stolen base threat, she can also swing the bat with authority, hitting .474 batting average with six triples on the season,” the coach said. “Megan set the tone as a lead-off hitter. She can hurt with the bat and on the bases.  Megan was also the leader in the outfield. With her speed and the arm strength to throw out runners, runners would not gamble on the bases. She is a Maryland University commit and will attend the university in 2020.”

Jenna Lee, Beckman, sophomore: “Jenna Lee entered her sophomore season as a force to be reckon with at the plate,” Coach Simon said.  “With table setters Megan Mikami and Madison Simon, Jenna’s natural inside out swing, often found herself hitting in the third spot in the batting lineup. She has such a natural swing and whenever Jenna got out, it was often a line out. Jenna played second base most of the year for Beckman and had over .900 fielding percentage. Jenna batted .347, with 15 RBI, 18 runs and 10 stolen bases. Jenna is a member of the Irvine Sting travel ball organization.”

Jade Costa, Beckman, junior: Costa is also a member of the Irvine Sting. “She entered her junior season as one of the leaders of the team,” Coach Simon said. “Jade played third base and was a big part of Beckman’s solid defense this year. As a hitter, Jade accumulated a .342 batting average, 19 RBI and 18 runs in 27 games. Jade is a real team player and will do whatever it takes to help the team reach the next level.”  

Cadee Wiviott, Woodbridge, sophomore: Wiviott had a .500 batting average for the Warriors. “Cadee Wiviott had a wonderful year,” Rose said. “She really matured in the batter’s box. She became a force at the top of the order. The progressions she made as a batter will only make her more of a force for her junior and senior years. She came in from day one and claimed right field as hers and never looked back. She has the talents, arm and speed to play any outfield spot.”

Haylee Mihut, Woodbridge, sophomore: Mihut had an outstanding junior year for the Warriors and wound up hitting .425 in the Pacific Coast League, according to Rose. “Hayley Mihut had a good year,” Rose said. “She really turned a corner offensively as we transitioned into league play. The confidence changed and it showed in her at bats. She played a solid shortstop all year and should only get better her last two years.

Sarah Harker, Irvine, senior: The first baseman batted .475 in league and .350 overall. “She was the lead-off hitter and set the tone for the offense all season,” said Coach Jim Knapp. “She led the team in runs scored with 20 and doubles with eight. he will be attending Manhattanville (NY) in the fall.”

Rory Dudley, Irvine, sophomore: The catcher batted .470 in league and .420 overall. “She tied for the lead in RBI with 18.,” Knapp said. “Rory is the anchor on defense behind the plate and is a model of consistency offensively.”

Sofia Chambers, Irvine, junior: The second baseman batted .415 in league play and .360 overall. “She is a hard working overall player and will be asked to do even more next year,” Knapp said.

Allison Morikawa, Northwood, freshman: “Allison Morikawa was a freshman catcher who understands and plays the game with the knowledge and intensity of a player much older and experienced,” said Northwood Coach Blair Ota. “She plays both offense and defense with an aggressive, self confident and fundamentally sound manner. She brings her game everyday whether it’s practice, game, or in the classroom. She is a tribute to herself, her family and Northwood High School. We were lucky and blessed she came to our program this year.”

Second team:

Sydney Spencer, University, sophomore

Christina Denlinger, University, junior

Alysa Avila, Irvine, senior

Brooke Horton, Beckman, freshman

Sarah Mikami, Beckman, freshman

Brooke Feldman, Beckman, sophomore

Emma McMurray, Northwood, senior

Kassidy Lancos, Northwood, sophomore

Taylor Wojciechowski, Woodbridge, senior

Jackie Diaz, University, junior