Hollister – As the awards from the spring high school season continue to roll in, the San Benito softball program pocketed another accolade on Tuesday. After an outstanding sophomore campaign, Elena Fata was named to the 2006 All-State Underclass Second Team by CalHiSports.com.
The leadoff hitter for San Benito’s first-ever Central Coast Section championship team, Fata hit .419 with 21 RBIs and one home run. She began the season as the Lady ‘Balers’ second baseman, but her mid-season shift to shortstop proved a catalyst for the team’s title run.
In addition to her solid defense, Fata had a knack for the big moment, driving in the winning run in the eighth inning of the CCS Division I championship game against Watsonville.
Upon hearing the news Wednesday, Fata was surprised and grateful.
“Being the only one from our team, that’s pretty cool,” said Fata, who stole 19 bases and hit four triples. “I’d say it’s mostly because of our team. If we hadn’t done as well as we did, gone as far as we did ….”
The consummate team player, Fata said the individual honor only added to the high of the championship.
“This is just icing,” said Fata, who is playing for the 18-Gold San Jose Extreme team this summer. “(Winning the title) was the best.”
Four CCS players landed on the All Underclass First Team, including Carlmont pitcher Ashley Chinn and Notre Dame-Salinas infielder Lauren Schutzler. Schutzler also earned All-State First Team Overall honors.
Four other CCS players joined Fata on the 30-player All Underclass Second Team. The All Underclass teams were selected among non-senior players.
