June 25, 2009 @ 1:08 pm
The Raider Baseball team fell short of their goal of a return trip to the NWAACC Tournament in 2009, but were in the playoff hunt up to the final weekend of the season. The young Raiders continued to earn respect in the West, as demonstrated by announcement of the NWAACC post season awards.
Freshman Ryan Buckles was selected to the Western Region First Team All-Stars. Buckles played a solid 3B for the Raiders and led the team in hitting (.396), hit 3 home runs, and drove in 19 runs on the season. Sophomore pitching standout Corey Ventura was selected as a Western Region Second Team All-Star, as were freshmen outfielders Dustin Markholt and Alex Rose. Ventura led the Raiders staff in innings pitched (47), earned run average (1.79), and strikeouts (36). Markholt hit .291 on the season and consistently came up with key hits in tough situations. Rose led the Raiders with 29 RBIs and 13 doubles in 120 at-bats, while hitting a solid .325.
Freshman first baseman Derek Kaaiwela earned Gold Glove honors as the best first-sacker in the West. Kaaiwela finished second on the team with a .389 average, hit 3 homeruns, 10 doubles and drove in 19 runs. He led the Raiders with a .593 slugging percentage.
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June 25, 2009 @ 12:45 pm
Hot on the heels of their third consecutive Western Division title, the Raiders Softball team once again dominated the NWAACC post season awards. Freshman standout, Danielle Kauzlarich, was selected as the Most Valuable Player in the West. 'Kauz' led the entire conference in hitting with a .549 batting average and was near the top of every offensive category for the Raiders in 2009. The award for the third baseman/pitcher marks the fourth straight year that a Raider has been recognized as the MVP in the West. Sophomore Kimmie Cable received the regions Most Valuable Pitcher award for the second straight year. In addition to going 8-6 from the circle this season, Cable was a potent factor in the Raider offense hitting .430.
Raiders selected to the Wests First Team All-Stars were sophomore Keilani Cruz (SS), and freshmen Lauren Kolanko (P) and Angilia Smith (C/SS). Cruz missed the final two weeks of the season due to injury, but finished with a .434 average and 10 stolen bases. Kolanko led the Raider pitching staff in innings pitched (105), victories (10), and strikeouts (51), while compiling a 3.07 ERA. Smith spent most of her time behind the plate, but made the switch to shortstop following the injury to Cruz. Smith was the Raiders second leading hitter, with a.522 average, tied for the team lead in home runs (5), and led the team with 44 RBIs and 26 doubles. Smith struck out only once in 134 at bats.
Second Team All-Star award recipients included freshman Kimber Rhodes, and sophomores Ashley Sonneman and Krista Zappone. Rhodes spent most of the season in the outfield, filled in a bit at first base, and hit .398 on the season. Sonneman (OF/2B) hit .367 with 7 stolen bases. Zappone (2B/C) hit .407 with 29 RBIs.
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