Chiefs dominate all-division picks

MOSES LAKE — After leading the Chiefs to a share of the Columbia Division title and into the regional softball tournament, Moses Lake senior catcher Shelby Gonzales was named the division’s Most Valuable Player.

Gonzales, who led the Columbia Basin Big Nine in RBIs, also earned offensive player of the year honors and was a first-team selection at catcher, said Moses Lake head coach and Columbia Division Coach of the Year Dave Gregory.

“She deserved it,” he said. “She is the leader of our team, the backbone. It’s well deserved.”

Gonzales headlined a Moses Lake team that earned nine All-Columbia Division selections, including six first-team picks.

Gregory said his girls deserved the recognition.

“Our stats were pretty legit,” he said. “There weren’t any complaints from the other teams.”

Moses Lake finished their Columbia Division schedule tied for first place with Southridge at 10-2 in division play and the Chiefs earned a trip to the district playoffs.

The Chiefs dropped their first round contest with Eastmont 9-1 before rallying for a win over Pasco (4-0) and Richland (5-2) to earn a trip to the regional tournament this weekend in Yakima, Wash.

Moses Lake junior Jessica McIntyre was a first-team selection at first base and was second in the league in RBIs behind Gonzales. Juniors Marina Rubio (third base), Candice Vela (outfield), and Karly Stoltman (pitcher) also earned first-team honors. Senior Crystal Mertes earned a first-team selection as Moses Lake’s designated hitter.

Moses Lake sophomore Holly Perry was the Chiefs’ only second-team pick, and senior Lacey Padilla and junior Bailey Ritchie were honorable mentions.

Gregory said he was proud to see nine of his Chiefs earn selections.

“I thought they went really great for us,” Gregory said of the awards. “We did really well.

Columbia Division

Most Valuable Player: Shelby Gonzales, senior, Moses Lake.

Outstanding Offensive Player of the Year: Shelby Gonzales, senior, Moses Lake.

Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year: Kaylie Winston, junior, Pasco

    Coach of the Year: Dave Gregory, Moses Lake

First Team

First Base: Jessica McIntyre, junior, Moses Lake.

Second Base: Amanda Roy, junior, Wenatchee.

Third Base: Marina Rubio, junior, Moses Lake.

Shortstop: Kaylie Winston, junior, Pasco.

Catcher: Shelby Gonzales, senior, Moses Lake.

Outfielders: Kailey Franklin, junior, Wenatchee; Candice Vela, junior, Moses Lake; Paige Beuhler, senior, Wenatchee.

Designated Hitter: Crystal Mertes, senior, Moses Lake.

Pitchers: Karly Stoltman, junior, Moses Lake; Taylor Bakos, senior, Kennewick; Caitlin Klepper, sophomore, Southridge.

Second Team

First Base: Amanda Hall, senior, Kennewick.

Second Base: Katie Lowery, junior, Southridge.

Third Base: Sara Bakos, senior, Kennewick.

Shortstop: Haylee Douglass, sophomore, Wenatchee.

Catcher: Heather Worley, junior, Southridge.

Outfielders: Holly Perry, sophomore, Moses Lake; Ashlen Ayers, sophomore, Kennewick. Gabrielle McCallister, senior, Kennewick.

Designated Hitter: Kirsten Flones, sophomore, Wenatchee.

Pitcher: Hannah Kirk, junior, Pasco.

Honorable Mention

First Base: Vanessea Chittim, senior, Wenatchee.

Second Base: Bailey Ritchie, junior, Moses Lake

Third Base: Kacie Sams, junior, Southridge.

Shortstop: Lacey Padilla, senior, Moses Lake.

Catcher: Sarasa Partica, junior, Sunnyside.

Outfielders: Mallory Jones, sophomore, Southridge; Mo Smith, junior, Southridge; Becca Borrelli, senior, Wenatchee.

Pitcher: Nicole Cook, junior, Wentachee.