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The “triple crown” is a statistical term used for anyone who leads their league in three major batting categories: batting average, home runs and RBIs. It’s rare anyone ever achieves this feat.
In fact the last person to do that in Major League Baseball was Carl Yazstremski of the Boston Red Sox in 1967. Prior to Yaz, Frank Robinson accomplished it in the early 60s while a member of the Cincinnati Reds. In 1956, Mickey Mantle claimed the American League Triple Crown.
The Delta River League isn’t the Majors, but in softball Sheldon’s Lindsey Ziegenhirt is having such a great year that she could be the Triple Crown winner in the DRL. Entering the final week of the season, the senior leads the league in home runs (9), RBIs (29) and is just .010 behind Pleasant Grove’s Emily Caruthers in batting average.
She’s hitting .507 and her slugging percentage is a whopping .973. In a sport where so much attention is given to the accomplishments of the pitcher, Ziegenhirt, Sheldon’s catcher, is making a strong case for earning the Most Valuable Player Award in the DRL.
And her numbers are up over a year ago in two of those categories. Last year, Ziegenhirt had batted .446 with six homers and led the Sac-Joaquin Section with 47 RBIs.
She is currently fifth in California in home runs.
Ziegenhirt is not a prototype power hitter, either, so why has she been such a home run threat?
“I’ve been going to hitting lessons every week and I’m more confident in the (batters’) box,” she said. “Mentally, I’ve stepped up my game and I’m looking for the pitches I want to hit. So my whole mental game has changed and it has in turn changed my physical game.
“That off-season weight lifting and conditioning stuff has help out a lot,” Ziegenhirt. “But I think it’s been more mental power than physical power. I’m also going up there with an aggressive attitude. I am looking to hit (the pitcher’s) mistakes. I’m going to put the bat on the ball.”
Ziegenhirt admits she doesn’t like to take many pitches. That’s reflected in the fact she has had just one walk this spring. And, that was an intentional pass during extra innings of Sheldon’s 1-0, 13-inning win over Pleasant Grove in March.
She’s on her way this fall to attend Cal.
Her soon-to-be college coach, Diane Ninemire, was in attendance at last Thursday’s 2-0 win over Pleasant Grove and said she isn’t surprised Ziegenhirt has such power with her bat.
“First of all Lindsey is a very mature player and is extremely confident in herself,” Ninemire said. “She has great mechanics and keeps her weight behind the pitch. She has a very nice, smooth swing and doesn’t try to over swing. She makes it look easy when she hits the ball over the fence and that’s going to be an important ingredient for us when she comes to Cal.”
The top home run hitter in California this year is Shannon Colquitt of King-Drew Medical High School in Los Angleles. Colquitt has 26 homers.
But, a highlight video of that team on MaxPreps.com, showed that school plays on a diamond with no outfield fence and the video was loaded with girls slapping the ball past outfielders and circling bases. Almost all the diamonds in the Sac-Joaquin Section have a fence 180 to 200 feet away from home plate.
Plus, the other factor is the quality of competition.
Sheldon hasn’t been bashful playing the best in the state at both the Nike “Faster to First” Tournament in Huntington Beach and the Livermore “Stampede” in Livermore. In those games, Ziegenhirt hit two homers in Huntington Beach and three in the Livermore tournament, including a first-inning solo shot in the loss to Archbishop Mitty, Sheldon’s only defeat this season.
Ziegenhirt says she’s not trying to hit home runs. However, she admits this year she’s seeing the ball really well.
“The pitching I see doesn’t let you hit home runs,” she said.
And to the girls with likely inflated stats: “If we played nothing but bad teams, I’d probably have double-digit home runs, too.”
In fact, Ziegenhirt is glad she plays on fields around here with outfield fences.
“The fences help me because I’m too slow,” she laughed.
Ziegenhirt has thus proven the better pitcher the better she hits.
“There’s something about a fast pitcher that I think I just mentally get up to hit against them,” she said. “My approach is different, so faster pitching is beneficial for me.”
No one wants that more than Ninemire. But, from what the Cal coach has seen in Ziegenhirt, she’s confident the senior’s success will continue at Berkeley.
“She’s got incredible hands and a great arm,” Ninemire observed. “She throws it to second in around 1.6 seconds. Anytime you have that kind of an arm with that kind of quickness your going to have a good time of throwing base runners out and they are not going to want to steal on you.
“On top of that to have Jolene (Henderson) with us as well and to have that complete battery will really help us, as well. Behind every good pitcher is a great catcher and to have that chemistry coming in together will be an incredible thing for us.”
The Sheldon High School varsity softball team tuned up for yesterday’s showdown with Pleasant Grove by defeating St. Francis, 3-0, in a Delta River League game last Tuesday.
The Lady Huskies stretched their record to 21-1 overall and 8-0 in the DRL with the win.
Senior starter Jolene Henderson had a perfect game through 5 2/3 innings before walking a batter. She finished with a no-hitter and 15 strikeouts.
Sheldon got on the board in the third inning when Danielle Henderson and Lindsey Ziegenhirt hit back-to-back singles. Henderson scored on a fielding error and Ziegenhirt was driven in by Dejanee Moore’s two-out single.
Meme Moore had a sixth-inning RBI single to cap the scoring.
It's easy to throw out lofty adjectives when year after year, the Livermore Stampede continues to draw the top high school teams in Northern California to Robertson Park for three days of high-caliber softball.
Of course, the praise isn't just coming from locals these days.
"First of all, to be invited was an honor in itself and to win it was very exciting," said Sheldon-Sacramento coach Mary Jo Truesdale of last year's run to the title. "I think (the competition) is absolutely the best you see in Northern California."
That's high praise, considering Truesdale's Huskies are the defending champions and the No. 1 team in the country according to ESPNRise.com. Led by Cal-bound pitcher Jolene Henderson and a host of other Division I prospects, the Huskies begin defense of their title today at 5 p.m. against Granada.
While Sheldon attempts to win Pool C, Livermore will attempt to come out of Pool D and keep the home fans excited heading into Saturday's final rounds. Led by shortstop Katie Keller and pitcher Jessica Varady, the Cowboys stand a good chance to emerge from pool play with a shot at reaching the title game.
"We just want to play up to our level. We don't have any expectations other than going in there and competing with these top teams," Livermore coach Bill Keller said. "We're just looking forward to seeing how we stack up against a team like Sheldon."
Pool A is highlighted by Archbishop
Mitty-San Jose. The Monarchs are ranked No. 4 in the country and No. 2 in the state behind only Sheldon.
Pool B features the team that had to travel the farthest to play in the Stampede, Spanish Springs-Sparks (Nev.). The Cougars (16-2) are led by pitcher Karlyn Jones. They'll have to deal with an always-tough Foothill squad, led by Keri Ball, Kristy Ortiz and Jennifer Ong.
Pool play is set for today and Friday, with semifinals slated for Saturday at 3 p.m.. The title game will be played Saturday at 7:15 p.m.
TODAY'S SCHEDULE
9 a.m.: Amador Valley vs. Deer Valley; 9:30 a.m.: Clayton Valley vs. Foothill; 11 a.m.: Livermore vs. College Park; 11:30 a.m.: Archbishop Mitty-San Jose vs. Rodriguez-Fairfield; 1 p.m.: Amador Valley vs. Granada; 1:30 p.m.: Clayton Valley vs. Spanish Springs-Sparks (NV); 3 p.m.: Livermore vs. Castro Valley; 3:30 p.m.: Analy-Sebastopol vs. Archbishop Mitty; 5 p.m.: Granada vs. Sheldon-Sacramento; 5:30 p.m.: Foothill vs. Heritage; 7 p.m.: Castro Valley vs. Alameda; 7:30 p.m.: Analy vs. Monte Vista
Livermore Stampede
The 15th annual Livermore Stampede softball tournament kicks off today at Robertson Park in Livermore. Here are today's matchups:
9 a.m.: Amador Valley vs. Deer Valley; 9:30 a.m.: Clayton Valley vs. Foothill; 11 a.m.: Livermore vs. College Park; 11:30 a.m.: Archbishop Mitty-San Jose vs. Rodriguez-Fairfield; 1 p.m.: Amador Valley vs. Granada; 1:30 p.m.: Clayton Valley vs. Spanish Springs-Sparks (NV); 3 p.m.: Livermore vs. Castro Valley; 3:30 p.m.: Analy-Sebastopol vs. Archbishop Mitty; 5 p.m.: Granada vs. Sheldon-Sacramento; 5:30 p.m.: Foothill vs. Heritage; 7 p.m.: Castro Valley vs. Alameda; 7:30 p.m.: Analy vs. Monte Vista
Monday, April 13
Nike Faster to First interview with Jolene Henderson
Mary Jo Truesdale - Sheldon High School Softball Coach
Published: Thursday, April 9, 2009 4:33 PM PDT
1. What does it mean to you to be ranked No. 1 in the country?
It represents the exceptional quality of the level of skill and leadership Jolene (Henderson) and Lindsey (Ziegenhirt) bring to our Sheldon Husky program supported by a talented, yet young, hard working group of young athletes. I appreciate my coaching staff’s commitment and expertise so much! They continually challenge our players to move to the next level. Our ranking is an honor not only for our program, but for our school and community.
2. Did you ever think it was possible to win back-to-back and maybe three consecutive Sac-Joaquin Section titles at Sheldon?
Year in and year out, wherever I have coached, I have always stressed to my players that you have to believe that you can win every game you play but you must play one game at a time. When a team looks too far ahead, it’s like throwing the ball before you have fielded it - a certain error. Winning each Sac-Joaquin Section title has been a hard fought challenge. We strive to be in that position again however there is work to be done and games must be won to be in that position and no game or opponent can be taken for granted.
3. What makes the Sheldon-Elk Grove softball rivalry intriguing to the community?
There are great players on both teams who play together on ASA teams in the summer and against each other. There is mutual respect among the players and the coaching staff. Many of the families have known each other for years. The games are exciting and close!
4. Favorite part about attending Michigan State University?
I’m still in mourning over our recent loss to UNC for the NCAA Championship but at least we made it to the dance! I love being a Spartan and wear my green and white with pride whenever possible. I hope all my players have the opportunity to be part of a university experience and will come away with the same positive experiences and lasting friendships I have. Being an athlete at the collegiate level, going to the softball College World Series twice and receiving a great education will be something I will always cherish.
5. Dream vacation?
That’s easy - traveling around the country on a baseball stadium/game tour and ending at the beach.
The CIF Sac-Joaquin Section announced $34,000 in scholarships will be awarded to the 50 winners of the A. Dale Lacky Scholarships for outstanding athletic performance, community service and academic success during their respective four years of high school.
The award, honoring former section and state CIF President, A. Dale Lacky, recognizes the top male and female student-athletes within the section. The scholarship committee selected five male and five female students as the recipients of a $1,000 scholarship.
The other nominees will be awarded a $600 scholarship from the section.
All schools were allowed to play one extra volleyball game and an extra boys and girls basketball game with 50 percent of the profits going directly to the foundation for the scholarships. More than $22,000 was generated through the foundation games. The balance of money came through the annual golf tournament and other sponsors.
All of the winners will be recognized at Tuesday’s CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Breakfast Awards Ceremony at Elkhorn Country Club in Stockton. The program will start at 9:00 a.m. The Section will also be honoring three male and three female model coach winners as well.
Among the winners were Sheldon High School’s Lindsey Ziegenhirt, Monterey Trail’s Andre Larry and Bradshaw Christian’s Leah Mowery. All three student-athletes earned $600 scholarships.
Ziegenhirt was a starting catcher on the varsity team for all four years. During her high school career she helped her team earn two section championships and a second place finish, and has been named MVP, player of the year, all-league, all-metro, all-state and all-American by several organizations.
Expectations abound for her final season now as Sheldon vies for a third consecutive section title.
In the community, she has volunteered for numerous charity races and blood drives, to the Special Olympics and to Elk Grove softball clinics. At school, she has served as an officer in her school’s highly recognized Biotech Academy and on the Athletic Council, as well being a member of the Link Crew and Team Husky.
Ziegenhirt had a GPA of 4.32 and will attend UC Berkeley on a full athletic scholarship to study for a degree in psychology while playing softball.
Larry has participated in football and wrestling for four years and track and field for three years, earning eight varsity letters between the three. He is a three-year team captain and three-year recipient of the Delta River League’s sportsmanship award in football.
He was also appointed captain of his wrestling team and earned the Coaches Award twice.
Larry is very involved in community activities, planting trees, landscaping the Elk Grove Post Office, volunteering at the animal shelter and helping with Elk Grove’s elementary track and field meet.
With a 4.21 GPA, Larry has been recognized as a who’s who among high school students twice, is a member of CSF and was awarded the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizens Award.
He plans to continue his education in the field of mechanical engineering but has not settled on which college he will attend.
Mowery was named the offensive MVP and to three all-league teams during her high school career. In her final year she served as captain, leading the team to their third league championship and to the quarterfinals in the section championship (the highest finish in the school’s history).
Her service to her community includes volunteering at a school for mentally handicapped children, volunteering weekly at an elementary school, coaching middle school volleyball for two years and serving as a mentor to two freshman students. She is also very active in her church by teaching Sunday School, leading a middle school bible study and organizing chapel for her high school.
Mowery attained a GPA of 4.38 and plans to attend Westmont College to study child development and psychology.
File photo/Bryan Higashino - Vying for a third consecutive Sac-Joaquin Section title is just the next goal in an impressive list of accomplishments for Sheldon senior Jolene Henderson.
Senior pitcher has yet to allow an earned run
By John Hull - Citizen Sports Writer
Published: Thursday, April 9, 2009 4:33 PM PDT
How good is Sheldon High School softball ace pitcher Jolene Henderson?
The senior earned high school All-American status in this season; she’s the two-time Sac-Joaquin Section player of the year; and her Lady Huskies have won back-to-back section championships.
But, most of the national accolades were laid at Henderson’s feet prior to the 2009 softball season. She participated in a high school softball game last July in Orlando, Fla., along with teammate Lindsey Ziegenhirt, aired on ESPNU. She led her offseason team, the Lady Magic, to a national championship trophy (Interestingly, Pleasant Grove’s ace, Ally Carda, also pitched alongside her on that team).
Last November, Henderson signed a letter of intent, as did Ziegenhirt, to attend Cal this fall on a softball scholarship.
Now, this illustrious pair, along with younger sister, Danielle, are beginning the march towards what will cap as remarkable a high school career as anyone has had around here, no matter the sport.
The Lady Huskies were 12-0 entering Spring Break and, despite a schedule of games with some of the top softball teams in California, few opponents have found the secret to hitting a ball solidly off Henderson.
Opponents are batting just .034 off her.
Henderson’s ERA is still 0.00. Only two runs - both unearned - were scored against her and they came in the season opener, a 5-2 win over Oak Ridge, the Division II favorite to win sections this season.
That’s not all.
Henderson has allowed only nine hits in those 12 games. She’s averaging 11 strikeouts and one walk per game. And, she isn’t pitching every inning of every game, either. Her “pitcher-in-waiting”, freshman Alexis Cooper, has come on in relief in four games and she hasn’t surrendered an earned run.
And these 12 opponents haven’t been too shabby. They include state-ranked teams such as Pleasant Grove, Freedom of Oakley, Canyon from Anaheim, Camarillo and Simi Valley.
So, what has made Jolene so unhittable?
Henderson says it’s not that she’s really that much better, but rather the defense around her is solid.
“I think the competition level is up and with that our team’s confidence level to not only compete but also win is really up,” Henderson said. “My goal is to not only dominate (the opponent) but leave no doubt in anyone’s mind that we should be where we are.”
Her coach, Mary Jo Truesdale, thinks Henderson is pitching as good right now as she ever has.
“And, I think she’s improving,” Truesdale commented. “She and Lindsey are working so well together and I think it’s the two of them working in concert that really makes the difference.”
Truesdale says this unprecedented level of excellence has rubbed off on the other Sheldon players.
“They bring out the best in our team because our team is so young,” she said.
So what is Henderson’s secret? What makes her so effective?
“I’m very, very competitive,” she commented. “I’m different on the field than I am off the field. When I’m on the field I’m really intense and ready to play. When I’m just hanging out, I’m really a fun person. But, when I’m on the mound, I’m bouncing up and down because it makes me ready to play. My mental mindset is always the same, even when the pressure is on.”
Truesdale takes the analysis a bit further.
“She definitely doesn’t just ‘serve it up.’ She stretches the edges (of the plate),” Truesdale said. “ She keeps it there and that’s what her job is.”
Plus, Truesdale says Henderson has matured to the point where she can almost coach herself.
“She is at that level right now where she knows what she has to do,” Truesdale explained. “That’s her maturity now. If something isn’t working quite right, she knows what to do to fix it.”
So, could Sheldon be this good if Henderson was to sustain an injury and thus, not be able to play?
“Oh, yes, I think so, “Truesdale said. “Hopefully, she would still be there and Lindsey would be there to provide the leadership. We do have another pitcher. We have great defense and we have great offense. Alexis Cooper throws a great ball and we’re hoping to give her some time on the mound as our season progresses. I have the confidence we can still win.”
If Sheldon gets into another situation like it did twice in the 13-inning thriller with Pleasant Grove last week with the winning run at third base, what pitch would Henderson likely throw?
“Depending on the umpire, likely the rise ball. I’d throw it so that it would look like it is coming down the middle but it would end up at their shoulders,” she said. “They’d swing and miss.”
That’s happened a lot the past four years at Sheldon. It might be hard for the Lady Huskies to find anyone else who can do it that well again.
Instant classic: Sheldon scored game’s lone run in 13th
Photos by Bryan Higashino - Meme Moore crosses home plate in the bottom of the 13th for the game’s only run as Sheldon ended the marathon with a 1-0 win over Pleasant Grove.
By John Hull - Citizen Sports Writer
Published: Thursday, April 2, 2009 10:38 AM PDT
To steal a phrase from sportscaster Jim Nantz, it was an “event for the ages.”
Softball fans around Elk Grove will be talking endlessly about Sheldon-Pleasant Grove I. The event pitted the area’s two best pitchers, Sheldon High School’s Jolene Henderson and Pleasant Grove’s Ally Carda, against each other.
Neither disappointed the estimated fans that crowded around the softball field at Pleasant Grove High School last Tuesday.
The pair sent bullets over the plate all afternoon and zeros were left on the scoreboard. Finally, in the 13th inning, another Lady Husky looming in the shadows of Lindsey Ziegenhirt and the Henderson sisters, stole the spotlight from her high school All-American teammates.
Outfielder Tootie Gray, with one out and Meme Moore on third base, stroked a sharp grounder to second baseman Mercedes Acosta and Acosta’s throw home was late. Sheldon ended the marathon with a thrilling 1-0 win.
“(The pitch) was outside and I slapped at it,” Gray said. “I just took it where it was pitched.”
Coming off an MVP performance the previous weekend at the Nike “Faster to First” Tournament in Huntington Beach, Henderson allowed only four hits and struck out 18. And, she admitted afterwards she was really tired.
“I’ve lost my voice, because of last weekend, too,” she said. “I feel like I’m going home and going to sleep right away.”
Carda was equally impressive, registering 16 strikeouts and also surrendering just four hits.
“We still need to work on hitting a little bit. We just didn’t get any key hits,” she said.
Both pitchers went all 13 innings on the mound, and both were impressive in pitching out of jams.
Pleasant Grove opened the bottom of the sixth inning with a Nicole Hutchins slap liner that shortstop Dejanee Moore was unable to field. Following Acosta’s sacrifice bunt to move Hutchins to second, Alyssa Tiumalu stroked a single to right and Hutchins was stopped at third. Carda walked to load the bases with only one out.
But, Henderson struck out Haley Willmon and got Kirsten Willmon to ground out to first baseman Alexis Cooper.
Sheldon’s best threat came in the ninth.
Ziegenhirt led off with a towering fly ball to the left field fence. Left fielder Haley Willmon caught the ball in her glove but it right away popped out. She knocked the ball about two times in the air with her bare hand, but as she was falling the ball landed for good in her mitt.
Pleasant Grove coach J.T. Tiumalu thought the Willmon catch was a promising sign.
“I thought the softball gods were going to look down and smile on us after that one,” he jested.
Henderson followed the miraculous catch with a single to center, was sacrificed to second by Dejanee Moore, but Carda got Meme Moore to ground out to Acosta to end the inning.
The 10th inning began with the last batter of the previous inning on second base, referred to as the International tiebreaker rule for extra inning games. Henderson and Carda still did their jobs limiting the other team on what they could do.
Tiumalu says the one thing that didn’t happen for the Lady Eagles in the extra frames was to put the ball into play using the bunt. “The difference in the game was they put their bunts down and we didn’t,” he said. “It cost us the game.”
The Lady Eagles did get two runners on base in the 11th, but Haley Willmon struck out and Acosta was thrown out trying to steal third to end the inning.
They also advanced runners to second and third with two outs in the 12th, but Henderson fanned Sam Murray to end that threat.
Henderson faced the dangerous Tiumalu with two outs in the bottom of the 13th and got her to loft a soft liner that Danielle Henderson gloved.
”When you have two great teams that play great defense and two great pitchers you’re going to have games like this,” Sheldon head coach Mary Jo Truesdale remarked. “(Monday) we worked on some things and they didn’t carry over to today. We got to make certain to know that when we practice it, it’s got purpose.”
Truesdale had an answer to why Carda was so effective against her usually hard-hitting team.
“We went (into the batters’ box) without a plan,” she said. “So when we got behind, they we’d start swinging at about anything.”
The rematch, Sheldon-Pleasant Grove II, will be played Apr. 30 at Sheldon High School.
Bring the lawn chairs. It will likely be another “Event Like No Other.”
Eyeing a third consecutive Sac-Joaquin Section Division I title, Sheldon should be challenged for DRL supremacy by Pleasant Grove.
By John Hull - Citizen Sports Writer
Published: Tuesday, April 7, 2009 11:48 AM PDT
In a year where virtually everyone believes Sheldon High School should be the consensus winner of the Delta River League, based on the fact they’ve got two high school All-Americans, there’s a sophomore making heads shake in disbelief just two miles to the south at Pleasant Grove.
Ally Carda had yet to surrender an earned run until the third weekend of the season. Previously, she allowed just one unearned run and thrown five no hitters in 10 games.
That sole run was all Oak Ridge needed in a 1-0 win. The Eagles otherwise have blown right through everyone else, including a 4-0 victory over Elk Grove, to win nine of their first 10 games.
But, Sheldon is the two-time defending league and Sac-Joaquin Section champion. Plus, the nation’s high school softball experts think enough of the Lady Huskies that they were rated No. 1 in an ESPN poll.
Sheldon beat Pleasant Grove in the first of two regular season meetings, 1-0 in 13 innings.
One of their All-Americans is two-time section player of the year, pitcher Jolene Henderson.
Her catcher, Lindsey Ziegenhirt, who will accompany Henderson next year at Cal, has also earned All-American status. Ziegenhirt went 4 for 4 at the plate in consecutive wins over Franklin and St. Francis and sports a .668 batting average. Ziegenhirt hits with power and has found some speed on the basepaths.
She’s already hit a pair of triples. Ziegenhirt may be the best all-around player right now in Northern California.
Henderson and Ziegenhirt have been getting all the ink in the media, but “little Henderson”, sophomore sister Danielle, has started 2009 with a hot bat. She’s hitting over .600 and has shown a really strong arm at third base.
The Moore sisters, Dejanee and Meshalon, look to be quality infielders at shortstop and second, respectively, and freshman Alexis Cooper has started strong at first base. Cooper stroked a pair of homers in a 12-0 whitewashing of St. Francis and she’s also a quality backup pitcher, should coach Mary Jo Truesdale want to give Henderson a break.
Center fielder Danielle Wiltz, also a freshman, has given the Lady Huskies an added dimension with her blazing speed. She loves to bunt or slap at the ball from the left side of the plate and will frequently beat the throw to first.
Sheldon High School solidified its grasp on the No. 1 spot in the national softball rankings this past weekend by sweeping five opponents to win the Nike “Faster to First” Tournament in Huntington Beach.
A year ago, Sheldon finished second in the same tournament and suffered its only regular season loss in the championship game.
But this spring, the Lady Huskies made a return visit and took the coveted title in an impressive way. First, tournament MVP Jolene Henderson threw five complete-game shutouts, including a pair of no-hitters while allowing only four hits total. She struck out 11, seven, 12, 13 and 12 batters over the five game-stretch.
Dejanee Moore, named to the all-tournament team, had four RBI in the tournament, including three in Friday’s 3-0 win over El Modena. Leadoff hitter Danielle Wiltz, third baseman Danielle Henderson and catcher Lindsey Ziegenhirt also joined Moore and Henderson on the all-tournament team.
Ziegenhirt’s two-out, bottom-of-the seventh inning two-run homer sealed Sheldon’s 2-0 win last Thursday over another nationally-ranked team, Simi Valley.
“I was expecting (the pitcher) to throw the outside curve and when she did I was able to stick my bat out there and hit Danielle in,” Ziegenhirt said. “ I was excited that it went over the fence, but I would have been just as happy with a double.”
Truesdale said getting off to a strong start in the two opening games set the tone for the rest of the tournament.
“In the first game (a 3-0 victory over Pacifica), the bottom of our lineup came through which once again shows that it takes a team to win games,” she said. “Freshman Amber Glenn, junior Tootie Gray and frosh Danielle Wiltz all came up with RBI base hits with two outs in the first game. In the (Simi Valley game), it was very frustrating, we had baserunners left on in scoring position in every inning but the second but couldn’t drive them in until the bottom of the seventh with two outs, Danielle Wiltz on first base, Lindsey came up and hit a two run homer to right center.”
Sheldon faced Camarillo Saturday afternoon in the tournament semifinals. Ziegenhirt again went deep with a long home run in the third inning. Wiltz had a drag bunt through the right side of the infield to score Nikki Miles and then scored from second, due to lackadaisical outfield play, on a sacrifice fly by Danielle Henderson to lead the Lady Huskies in an 8-0 win.
Meshalon Moore added an RBI single in that game.
In the championship game, Sheldon faced Canyon High School of Anaheim and its All-American pitcher, Cheyanne Torango. The closest Canyon got was a second inning leadoff triple off Henderson. Two outs later a ground ball was hit back to Henderson. She momentarily bobbled it and from her knees threw home to Ziegenhirt, who then ran down the runner who spun around and tried to get back to third.
Torango and Henderson then dueled until Canyon unwound itself in the fourth inning.
It started with a leadoff double by Henderson. Dejanee Moore laid down a textbook sacrifice bunt to move Henderson over to third. With one out and a runner at third, Moore hit a ground ball to the second baseman, Lauren Young. Young misplayed the grounder, giving Henderson a chance to score, and leaving Moore safe at first.
With one run on the board, Alexis Cooper hit a ground ball to shortstop Briana Gwaltney who bobbled the ball and then overthrew first, allowing Moore to advance to third. She then scored on a passed ball.
Another local school, Pleasant Grove, also competed in the same tournament. The Lady Eagles opened with a 3-1 win over Vista Murrieta.
Ally Carda was impressive throwing a two-hitter and striking out 14. Kirsten Willmon squeezed in a run in top of the fourth to tie the game at 1. Haley Willmon scored on a steal of third that got away in bottom of the fifth. Krystal Camina singled in Kirsten Willmon to conclude the scoring.
In their second game, the Lady Eagles defeated Valencia 6-5 in eight innings. Pleasant Grove scored in the bottom of the first on a planned delay steal. Allysa Tiumalu got in a rundown long enough to allow Emily Caruthers to scamper home from third.
Valencia scored single runs in the second and third. In the bottom of the fourth Tiumalu hit a two-strike changeup over the left-field fence to tie the game. The score remained 2-2 until the top of the eighth when Valencia scored three runs in international tiebreaker. Caruthers got an infield single moving Alex Bailey to third and then Nicole Hutchins scored Bailey with a single. With two outs, Carda hit a three-run, walk-off homer to give Pleasant Grove the win.
The Lady Eagles lost to Esperanza, 3-1 on Friday.
Coach J.T. Tiumalu said the bats went cold.
“Plus, we made a couple costly errors,” he added. “They scored their first run when backup catcher Alex Bailey threw away a ball back to pitcher. They added two more in the seventh on a wild pitch and a squeeze play.”
In its final game, the Lady Eagles were shut out 7-0 by Freedom High School.
Huntington Beach, Calif. – After every game that the Sheldon (Sacremento, Calif.) High School team wins, head coach Mary Jo Truesdale gives each girl a marble.
"We are playing for all the marbles,” stated Truesdale after their semi-final win over Camarillo (Calif.).
"It is a tradition that I started a long time ago, and I try and find marbles that match the colors of the school we are playing,” explained Truesdale.
The girls certainly earned their marbles at the Faster to 1st National Fastpich Tournament, hosted by Canyon (Anaheim, Calif.) High School.
Scott Kurtz for ESPN RISE
Sheldon High School takes the title at the Faster to 1st Tournament hosted by Canyon High School.
With teams from all over the country including Calif., Ariz., N.M., Fla., Hawaii, and Ill., the tournament proved to be chock full of close games. In the end, almost half of the games played were determined by only one run.
The championship game was not a one-run game, but it was a close one, with just one breakthrough inning for Sheldon.
After losing in the finals of the tournament last year, Sheldon had worked hard to get back to that championship game and finish what they started last year.
Sheldon, the ESPN RISE FAB 50 No.1 ranked team, faced Canyon High School in the finals of the tournament and won, 2-0 to take the tournament championship.
The game was tight, up until the fourth inning. Cheyanne Tarango for Canyon and Jolene Henderson for Sheldon both worked to keep batters at bay, but Canyon's defense crumbled in the fourth and the Huskies took advantage of their weakened state.
It started with a lead-off double by pitcher, Jolene Henderson in the bottom of the fourth. Dejanee Moore laid down a textbook sacrifice bunt to move the runner over to third. With one out and a runner at third, Meme Moore hit a ground ball to the second baseman, Lauren Young. Young misplayed the grounder, giving the runner at third time to score, and leaving Meme Moore safe at first.
With one run on the board, Alexis Cooper stepped up to the plate for the Huskies. She hit a ground ball to Briana Gwaltney at shortstop who bobbled the ball, and then overthrew first, allowing Meme Moore to advance to third. A passed ball in the next at bat allowed Moore safely home.
The Huskies scored two runs in that inning, and that was all it took for Sheldon to take the title. Canyon had one bad defensive inning and Sheldon took advantage of the errors and made sure to stay solid on defense. Jolene Henderson, who didn't give up a run the entire tournament, never faltered on the mound and the defense was rock solid behind her.
It might have just been one bad inning, but it was enough to crown the Huskies champions.
"This is just great,” stated head coach Mary Jo Truesdale. "These girls have elevated their play every game and have really improved. Jolene and Lindsey led the charge and playing against the best teams just made us get better and everything came together.”
With all the hype surrounding Sheldon, their No.1 ranking, a 10-0 record, and now a Faster to 1st Championship, one would think that the Huskies would be feeling quite a bit of pressure going into league. However, Truesdale says this is not the case.
"There is no pressure,” she stated. "Now we will just take a deep breath, go back and play league games and that will be our focus. All we can control is how we prepare everyday to play these games.”
Truesdale and her squad will head back to Sacarmento, but things won't get much easier for them. They will face Pleasant Grove and Rodriguez, other Faster to 1st tournament teams, later in their schedule.
With a young team, led by the Tournament MVP Jolene Henderson and Lindsey Ziegenhirt, Truesdale recognized that the team needed some experience in order to ensure that they could get the crucial wins at the end of the season.
"We wanted to play the best competition this season because we knew that the younger players would get better faster. It is crucial for those players to learn and improve quickly in order for us to continue to play at a high level,” said Truesdale.
With five players on the All-Tournament Team, including one freshman, Sheldon is a team with an impressive combination of pitching, defense, and offense.
Coach Truesdale, did the girls earn their marbles?
"Yes, they did!”
Sunday, March 29
2009 Faster to 1st All Tournament Team
Scott Kurtz for ESPN RISE
Tournament MVP, Jolene Henderson.
2009 Faster to 1st All Tournament Team Jolene Henderson – P - Sheldon High School - Tournament MVP
Danielle Henderson – 3B – Sheldon High School
Lindsey Ziegenhirt – C – Sheldon High School
Danielle Wiltz – CF – Sheldon High School
Dejanee Moore – 2B – Sheldon High School
Cheyanne Tarango – P – Canyon High School
Shannon Bustillos – C – Canyon High School
Taylor Van Acker – 1B – Canyon High School
Briana Gwaltney – SS – Canyon High School
Kailyn Johnson – 1B – Esperanza High School
Kristin Scharkey – CF – Esperanza High School
AC Borden – P – Esperanza High School
Jennifer Manuel – P – Camarillo High School
Sarah Shadinger – P – Camarillo High School
Hannah Williams – P – Freedom High School
Ally Carda – P – Pleasant Grove High School
Haylie Wagner – P – El Modena High School
Teanna Brooks – 3B – Rodriguez High School
Teagan Gerhart – P – Norco High School
Briana Tovio-Asato – C – St. Francis High School
Madison Shipman – SS – Valencia High School
Brooke Bell – OF – El Toro High School
Alexis Villamor – OF – Vista Murrieta High School
The Comanches lose, 2-0, to the nation's top-ranked softball team in the Nike Faster to First Classic.
By CARLOS ARIAS
OCVarsity.com
HUNTINGTON BEACH – Sheldon of Sacramento entered the Nike Faster to First Classic with a huge target on its back.
The Huskies came in ranked No. 1 in the nation by ESPN RISE and they had reached the finals of the prestigious softball tournament last season, but they lived up to the hype, taking out all of their opponents and beating Canyon, 2-0, in the championship game on Saturday night at the Huntington Beacch Sports Complex.
Cal-bound Jolene Henderson proved to be as good as advertised for Sheldon. She pitched every inning of the tournament for the Huskies and didn't allow a single run.
She had back-to-back no-hitters in the quarterfinals and semifinals. She allowed no hits and struck out 11 to beat El Modena, 4-0, on Friday, and came back with seven strikeouts and another no-hitter against Camarillo on Saturday afternoon to get the Huskies into the finals.
“Our team just surpassed any expectations people had of us,” Henderson said. “Everybody just wanted to beat us, but they didn't. I think everybody comes excited to play us and it just makes us play better and it makes the teams we play, play better. It's more competition for us and it just makes us better in the long run.”
Canyon got a hit in each of the first three innings against Henderson in the finals, but that's when she would bear down and come up with her best pitches.
Canyon's best chance to score came in the top of the second when Briana Gwaltney tripled off the fence in left-center field to lead off the inning. Tayler Van Acker followed with a come-backer up the middle and Henderson was able to get Gwaltney in a run down. Then Henderson struck out the next two batters to end the inning.
Henderson got stronger from that point on. She ended up retiring 15 of the final 16 batters she faced and she struck out seven of the final 10 Comanches that went up against her.
Canyon ran into trouble in the bottom of the fourth after Henderson led off the inning with a double. Amber Glenn came in as a courtesy runner for Henderson and got moved to third on DeJanee Moore's sacrifice.
MeShalon Moore hit a dribbler to the right side of the infield that got booted by canyon's second baseman to allow the first run to score. The Huskies had runners on second and third after an error by Canyon's shortstop. MeShalon Moore scored on a wild pitch by Canyon's Cheyanne Tarango.
That was all Sheldon needed with Henderson in total command of her pitches and throwing in the high 60s.
Canyon reached the finals by beating Esperanza, 4-3, earlier in the day, but the game came with some controversy. The game was called in the sixth inning because of the 1-hour and 50-minute time limit, but the Aztecs believed Canyon used some stalling tactics.
Esperanza went on to beat Camarillo, 4-3, in eight innings in the third-place game. Most of Esperanza's team stayed to watch the end of the championship game and enthusiastically support Sheldon.
Huntington Beach, Calif. - In a tournament comprised with 24 of the best teams across the country, one would think that the semifinal game would be a tight, action-packed performance.
The semifinal game between Sheldon (Sacramento, Calif.) High School and Camarillo (Calif.) High School was far from what was expected.
From day one, Sheldon proved to be a tough competitor and this semi-final game just solidified that fact. They beat Camarillo 8-0 in five innings to advance to the championship game.
It started early, in the bottom of the second, when freshman, Alexis Cooper, stepped up to the plate and blasted one out of the park with a runner on.
From there, the Husky bats never quieted. The next inning, in the bottom of the third, Lindsey Ziegenhirt followed in Cooper's footsteps and hit a two-run dinger to give Sheldon a big 4-0 lead.
In the fourth, Danielle Henderson almost copied Ziegenhirt and Cooper with a blast over the centerfielder's head. However, with two runners on, Camarillo's centerfielder made a catch over the fence to keep the ball in the park.
Despite the catch, the damage was done. With two runners on, they were both able to tag up and score on Henderson's long ball. This put the Huskies up 6-0 in the fourth.
The next inning Jolene Henderson led off with a double to get the Huskies rallying once again. Henderson then advanced on a wild pitch, but it wouldn't have mattered. Dejanee Moore, a constant threat at the plate, hit a double, scoring Henderson easily.
Meme Moore was the next batter for the Huskies and she made good contact off a pitch thrown by Camarillo hurler, Sarah Shadinger. A groundball was hit at the second baseman, but it was too much for her to handle, and the error allowed Dejanee Moore to score from second.
With that final run, the Huskies went ahead 8-0 and the game ended on run rule.
The Huskies scored three innings, back-to-back, and it was a complete team effort. Danielle Wiltz hit a double and was one for three, Dejanee Moore and Meme Moore were both two for three and Jolene Henderson went two for three as well.
On defense, Jolene Henderson kept the Camarillo batters at bay. Henderson, a force to be reckoned with, allowed no hits from the circle.
Mary Jo Tuesdale, Sheldon's head coach says that the explanation for their success has to do with relaxing and having a good time.
"They're just really coming together and playing loose,” she stated. "They started out just a little tight. We are somewhat inexperienced except for a couple of players, but now that they have seen what they have at this tournament, they are realizing they can play at the next level.”
It is hard to believe that this team has room to improve. They have unstoppable pitching, tight defense, and an offense that would bring fear to any pitcher. Truesdale recognizes how they have improved and will continue to improve throughout the tournament.
"We have been working out the kinks and communicating better every game,” said Truesdale.
The kinks on this team are few and far between.
Sunday, March 29
Recap of games for Sheldon at Nike Faster to First
Scott Kurtz for ESPN RISE
Sheldon High School takes it all in the finals Saturday night.
Championship Game: Sheldon 2 – Canyon 0
Jolene Henderson had 12 strikeouts in the game and gave up only two hits to shut out Canyon (Anaheim, Calif.) High School. She also was two for three at the plate with a double. Danielle Henderson was one for two. For Canyon, Briana Gwaltney was one for three with a triple. Cheyanne Tarango took the loss for Canyon. Sheldon finished the tournament undefeated and improved their record to 10-0.
Semifinal Game: Sheldon 8 – Camarillo 0 Jolene Henderson pitched a no-hitter and was two for three at the plate and hit a double off the fence. Danielle Wiltz was one for three with a double and Lindsey Ziegenhirt was one for three with a homerun and two RBIs. Dejanee Moore was two for three with a double, Meme Moore was two for three and Alexis Cooper was one for three with a two-run homerun.
Sheldon 4 – El Modeno 0 Jolene Henderson threw a no-hit shutout with 11 strikeouts for the Huskies. She also was 1-for-2 at the plate with a double. Lindsey Ziegenhirt remains solid in the lineup going 2-for-3 in the game with an RBI. Dejanee Moore also was two for three with an impressive three RBIs
Sheldon 3 – Pacifica 0 Jolene Henderson recorded 12 Ks, walked none, and allowed only one hit. Offensively, it was a team effort. Danille Wiltz went two for three with an RBI, Dejanee Moore and Amber Glenn went one for two, and Kristen Gray was one for two with an RBI. For Pacifica, Krystian Dewitt was the losing pitcher, but only gave up five hits and one earned run. Jamie Prussic was one for three.
Sheldon 2 – Simi Valley 0 Jolene Henderson gave up only one hit and fanned 13 in the win. Danielle Henderson was two for three with a double. Lindsey Ziegenhirt was two for three with a walk-off two-run homerun in the bottom of the seventh. Sophia Perez allowed two unearned runs for Simi Valley. Kelli-Jo Killingsworth had Simi's only hit.
Editor's note: The ESPN RISE FAB 50 softball rankings are compiled by Garland Cooper and Mark Tennis, with contributions from Paul Muyskens. They will be released each Wednesday throughout the season.
Coming off a 2008 campaign in which Sacramento's Sheldon High School won its second straight CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division I title and ended No. 4 in the final FAB 50 rankings, coach Mary Jo Truesdale is blessed with the return of not only one of the best pitchers in the nation, Jolene Henderson, but also one of the best catchers, Lindsey Ziegenhirt.
Henderson, an EA SPORTS All-American and the CalHiSports.com State Junior of the Year, compiled a 30-1 mark in the circle with 22 shutouts, a 0.41 ERA and 326 strikeouts. She also hit .400 with 31 RBIs. The first-team all-state selection Ziegenhirt batted .446 with six homers and 47 RBIs.
"This is going to be just like last year when we were No. 1 for a few weeks," Henderson said. "It makes the games more fun. Everybody we play is trying harder to beat us. It makes the games bigger and more fun."
Ziegenhirt, who will continue to catch her friend at Cal next season, added that the No. 1 ranking shows a level of respect for Northern California usually reserved for Southern California.
"It's a great honor, but now everybody knows who we are," she said. "We can't surprise people anymore. NorCal is always supposed to be not special. We've proved that isn't true."
Concerns remain, however, for Truesdale, who has won more than 500 games. The Huskies lost two top hitters and top middle infielders in Alexa Rivera and Morgan Otto. Sheldon also faces one of the nation's most challenging schedules, which will be highlighted by a trip to Huntington Beach to play in the second annual Nike Faster to 1st tournament.
"That's a big target on our back, but it's also truly an honor," Truesdale said of the No. 1 ranking. "I had been a coach for many years and had never been ranked and now all this is happening. All I can say is that it is an honor."
Two of the Huskies' wins have been close, one in 11 innings, but the teams they beat - Freedom of Oakley and Oak Ridge of El Dorado Hills - are also both in the CalHiSports.com state top 20. Lindsey Ziegenhirt hit a three-run homer to win one game, while Jolene Henderson struck out 20 in another.
2
Canyon Del Oro High School (AZ)
12-0
2
Behind pitcher Kenzie Fowler, Canyon del Oro is undefeated so far this season. The team has outscored its opponents 117-1 in only 12 games. With Fowler on the mound and at the plate and with Katie Asher in the field and in the lineup, this squad is the team to beat in Arizona this season.
3
Klein Oak High School (TX)
16-0
8
While preseason Texas No. 1 Bowie has stumbled, No. 2 Klein Oak has dominated. Pitcher Bree Brown is keeping opposing batters at bay with a 0.16 ERA and 148 strikeouts in 87 innings pitched.
4
Norco Senior High School (CA)
5-0
7
Stanford-bound Teagan Gerhart was named MVP of the Tournament of Champions in Arizona. She pitched three shutouts in the event and the Cougars outscored their opponents by a 22-3 margin.
5
William S. Hart High School (CA)
9-0
14
Destiny Rodino is the ace of the Hart team, which has collected its nine early wins against teams in the San Fernando Valley area of the state.
6
Red Mountain High School (AZ)
11-0
0
A new addition to the FAB 50, Red Mountain was overlooked in the preseason but has proven that it will be a contender for the Class 5A state title. The team did not give up a run in its first 10 games and has depth on the mound.
7
Naples High School (FL)
13-1
3
The state's No. 1 ranked Class 4A team handed the top-ranked Class 6A team,Timber Creek of Orlando, its first loss last week by 1-0 in a 9-inning thriller.The only loss was an early season setback to long-time state power Bartow when All-American pitcher Jackie Traina walked in four batters before recording an out while playing a day after suffering a foot injury.
8
Timber Creek High School (FL)
13-1
40
State's No. 1 ranked Class 6A team dropped its first game last week, 1-0, in a 9-inning nail-biter against Naples.
9
Sunnyslope High School (AZ)
9-1
42
Sunnyslope has beaten Bellaire out of Texas and has a team batting average of .417. Nora Maschue is a force on the mound with a 0.89 ERA with 76 strikeouts in 55 innings.
10
Archbishop Mitty High School (CA)
3-0
12
The Monarchs could be playing Sheldon at the Livermore Stampede tourney later in the season. Their pitcher, Keilani Ricketts, is just coming into form after another long basketball season, just not quite as long as last year when Mitty played in the state championships.
Photos by Bryan Higashino - Sheldon senior Jolene Henderson struck out the first six batters she faced and pitched three perfect innings in a 10-0 shutout of Franklin.
Sheldon, PG combined to outscore Franklin, EG 14-0
By John Hull - Citizen Sports Writer
Published: Tuesday, March 24, 2009 5:15 PM PDT
Pssst! Mary Jo Truesdale has two new secret weapons on her Sheldon High School varsity softball team. Don’t tell anyone but they don’t have the last name Henderson or Ziegenhirt.
These two won’t be flying under the radar like an Air Force Stealth bomber for very long. Sheldon freshmen Danielle Wiltz and Alexis Cooper are rapidly making an impact in the early season and adding another dimension to the nation’s top-rated high school softball team.
“They are excellent with a capital ‘E’,” senior catcher Lindsey Ziegenhirt said of the newcomers to the Lady Huskies. “They are blending in really well.”
Truesdale agreed.
“I knew they were special when I saw them play last summer,” she said. “They have great attitudes and their basics are really strong and that they have been coached well.”
Wiltz is bringing speed to the leadoff spot in the batting order, showing an ability to drag bunt and slap her way on base, along with stealing a base or two. Plus, her fleet feet can run down many balls hit to center field.
Cooper, a 6-footer, adds power in the middle of the lineup, plus gives something most softball teams hope for, but usually don’t have, a second quality pitcher. She is the Lady Huskies’ back-up pitcher behind the All-American hurler, Jolene Henderson. Otherwise, she’s a quality glove at first base.
Thursday, Cooper came on in relief of Henderson and pitched the final three innings in a 10-0, one-hit shutout of Franklin High School.
“We’re going to put her on the mound as often as we can,” Truesdale said, “because she’s the next ‘great’”
Henderson mowed down the first nine Lady Wildcat batters, striking out six, in three perfect innings. Then Truesdale handed the ball to Cooper to go the rest of the way.
She allowed just one hit and let the Lady Huskies’ defense made plays behind her.
“Jolene is phenomenal, but I hope to get on the mound (a few times this season) so that I’ll be ready for next year,” Cooper said.
But, equally impressive Thursday was Wiltz. She had two bunt singles in four at-bats, including a beauty of a drag bunt that somehow avoided Franklin first baseman Ally Hom and caught second baseman Sade Estes, trying to cover the first base bag, leaning the wrong way and then rolled to the outfield grass.
“I just try to get on base and do what I can do,” Wiltz said.
But, it was the bat of Sheldon’s other All-American, Ziegenhirt, that led the Lady Huskies’ 13-hit attack. Her first-inning single drove in Danielle Henderson, who had doubled, for Sheldon’s first run.
Wiltz’ seeing-eye bunt drove in Amber Glenn for Sheldon’s second run in the next inning. Then the Lady Huskies exploded for four more in the third.
Ziegenhirt led off the inning with a single, her third hit of the game, After Jolene Henderson followed with a single, Dejanee Moore hit a towering double to center field to drive in Ziegenhirt.
Moore and Henderson both scored on Meshalon Moore’s ground ball that went between the legs of Franklin third baseman Laura Ginnis. Two batters later, Moore scored the fourth run of the inning on Aleisha Brown’s single to center for a 6-0 lead.
The Lady Huskies tacked on two more runs in the fourth when Wiltz led off the inning with a bunt and then beat the throw by Estes to first base. With one out, Ziegenhirt drilled a triple to the fence in right center field and almost ran up the back of Wiltz heading to third.
Ziegenhirt then scored when Henderson drove her in with a line drive single to left.
Ziegenhirt added the exclamation point to the win when she lofted a two-run homer, her second of the year, to center in the sixth inning to enforce the automatic 10-run mercy rule.
For the senior, headed to Cal-Berkeley next season, it was another day at the office.
“I was frustrated with how I did against Freedom (the previous Friday). I was seeing it much better (today) and was more patient,” Ziegenhirt said about her 4-for-4 day with four RBIs.
Franklin head coach Jill Sanchez said despite mustering just one hit against Sheldon her batters weren’t intimidated.
“We know Jolene is a great pitcher,” she said. “Our girls have faced her numerous times during the summer. They know what she has. But, Jolene is a great pitcher.”
With the loss, Franklin drops to 4-3-3 on the season. Sanchez added that she liked the idea of playing a quality opponent like Sheldon now, a little more than a week away from Franklin’s Delta Valley Conference opener.
“I think our conference will be a little bit better because everyone is rebuilding,” Sanchez said. “so I am glad we came to play Sheldon and go (to the Ceres Bulldog Tournament) and play, too.
“We’re learning new positions. Everyone on defense is learning a new position, only one person is where she was last season and that’s (starting pitcher) Brittany (Vacura),” she added. “I am pleasantly surprised after 10 games. I’m a little concerned with our offense, but if we can get one or two runs, I’m confident our defense will come through and help us.”
Franklin will face St. Francis on Thursday and host Monterey Trail on Friday.
Sheldon leaves today for the Nike “Faster to First” softball tournament in Huntington Beach.
“My goal is to get the girls the very best in top-level competition,” Truesdale said of the tournament. “We want to learn from any mistakes we make. Because under the intensity of that type of competition, there’s going to be some stuff that comes up that we’re not going to see just here. It’s a high-pressure tournament. Everyone (in HuntingtonBeach) is at the top of their leagues, at the top of their sections.”
Sheldon finished second last year in that tournament.
File photo/Bryan Higashino - Sheldon High School softball coach Mary Jo Truesdale and senior pitcher Jolene Henderson have combined for back-to-back Division I section titles.
By John Hull - Citizen Sports Writer
Published: Monday, March 2, 2009 9:12 AM PST
There are many followers of high school softball that think the Sac-Joaquin Section just might as well send the Division I championship banner for 2009 to Sheldon High School right now, in the first month of the regular season.
Head coach Mary Jo Truesdale, when asked about it, gives a big grin, thinking ahead to that very realistic possibility.
“That would be nice, but we need to do more than just show up, we’ll need to play some very good teams and earn it,” the highly-respected coach, who is entering her 12th year in the dugout of the Lady Huskies’ softball squad, said on the first day of practice on Feb. 10.
“I think we’ll be playing a lot of low-scoring games this season and if there’s a small mistake at the wrong time, we might see what happened in 2002 when Fairfield was the team that everyone thought was untouchable, but an young upstart team from Sheldon upset them.” Truesdale was fondly referring to the program’s first-ever section title.
Her high school All-American catcher, Lindsey Ziegenhirt, answered the question more seriously.
“No, any given day anyone can and will beat you. I’m confident our team will get to sections and play in the championship game, but there’s a lot of season. Knock on wood – someone may get hurt, teams may fall apart. There’s too many things that can happen,” she said thoughtfully.
Expert analysis from a 17-year-old, that not only hits for power and for average, but also is ranked third in her senior class at Sheldon with a GPA of 4.32.
Between her and pitcher Jolene Henderson, also in her senior year, opponents can’t wait until the pair graduate and begin, together, to ravage the hitting of the Pac-10 at Cal. Maybe some other school will win the girls’ section banner then.
The Lady Huskies will go after its third straight section title this spring. Henderson and Ziegenhirt have been instrumental in the previous two. Henderson stroked a three-run homer in the ninth inning of the 2007 championship game to defeat Elk Grove, 3-0, while pitching a complete-game shutout.
Last year, after losing to the Herd in the second round of the postseason tournament, the Lady Huskies had to play out of the losers’ bracket and Henderson shut out Elk Grove in back-to-back 1-0 wins to grab the 2008 banner.
As freshmen in 2006, they lost a 2-1 heartbreaker to Franklin in the championship game, otherwise Sheldon could realistically be eyeing four-straight section titles instead of three.
So, the road to the 2009 championship will definitely be Sheldon’s toughest. Just to the south, Pleasant Grove has its own outstanding tandem of pitcher Ally Carda and catcher Alyssa Tiumalu. Elk Grove’s Chelsea Suitos and Shelby and Janelle Wisdom want to avenge the past two near postseason misses, and Franklin and St. Francis could also contend for league and section titles.
The target on the backs of the Lady Huskies will be huge.
With Henderson and Ziegenhirt in the lineup, Sheldon has a combined 89-8 record. Three of those losses have come in the past two seasons.
If there might be a question mark on this spring’s team it could come in the middle infield. Two keys to the Lady Huskies’ success of the past three years have moved on and must be replaced. Shortstop Morgan Otto is starting at the same position for San Jose State and second baseman Alexa Rivera, who drove in the winning run in the championship game in 2008, is starting at third base for the University of the Pacific.
Truesdale says it’s still early but right now she’s thinking first baseman Dejanee Moore will move over to second base and her freshman sister, Meme, will take over at shortstop. Danielle Henderson, Jolene’s younger sister, will return at third base.
Cheyenne Cathey and Kristen Gray will be in the outfield once basketball season is over. Newcomer Danielle Wiltz will join them and, according to Truesdale, will be a threat to steal once she’s on base.
To get ready for the march towards the Sacramento Softball Complex, host site of the section tournament, Truesdale has the Lady Huskies playing some top-flight competition in the non-league games. In fact, she admits it may be a little too rough.
“When I looked back at the schedule I put together, we’re playing in almost all of our non-league games teams that either won their section or were runner-ups or league champions. So just about everyone I’ve been talking to have asked, ‘Aren’t you taking any time off?’ So, I said, ‘Oh, I guess not.’”
But, she says there is an underlying motive.
“We’re not playing these games for stats, we’re playing these games for one thing and one thing only and that’s playoffs,” Truesdale said.
It’s a formula that has worked for Truesdale in preparing for the postseason. But, what is the key to fielding one of the top softball programs in the nation?
“I think I’m strict, but firm, only because I have a bottom line,” she said. “But, I think I’m also compassionate. I think the girls know that I care about them off the field. I have to put the team first and that’s hard for me sometimes because I take some things personally, probably more than I should and more than other coaches do.
“I do care about them personally,” Truesdale continued. “I care about them academically. I care about them being good people and I care about what is going to happen to them after softball.”
A former Michigan State University softball player, Truesdale has a unique way of rewarding her players following a win. She gives them each a marble emblazed with the recently defeated team’s school colors.
She didn’t say whether her shipment from the marble supplier had arrived, but the Lady Huskies hope Truesdale has ordered enough for this season.
Saturday, April 4
Lindsey interview reagrding Oak Ridge.
Sheldon HS
Sheldon High Schoolis located in southern Sacramento county just north of Elk Grove, California.
Welcome to the Sheldon Husky Softball web site. The goal of Sheldon softball is to provide young student-athletes, through competitive softball, the opportunity to develop the personal attributes of commitment, dedication and integrity, and life long skills of leadership, sportsmanship and teamwork that are needed to be successful adults.
Eleven years ago we opened our doors and competed at the varsity level with only freshmen and sophomores. Our motto was “Courage” because we felt it took courage to compete as a varsity program in the Delta League, which was known as one of the most competitive high school softball leagues in Northern California. Our first ten years have been full of successes at both the jv and the varsity levels, balanced with our share of losses. As Coach Truesdale always says, “There is always something to be learned from a loss, let’s just not have too many of them.”
Ours has been a program of “firsts.” We first made Sheldon history by making the playoffs in only our second year and have done so every year since then. In ten years, we have won 5 Delta League Championships. We were the first Sheldon team to win a Section Championship in 2002, followed by Women’s Basketball in 2006 and, most recently, Men’s Basketball in 2007. Two years ago was the final year of the Delta League and we were the last softball team to win the championship before the leagues split into two new leagues. Last year was the first year of the Delta River League. Our Varsity Football team won the first football league championship in the Delta River League and we won the first softball league championship. We went on to the Sac-Joaquin Section Playoffs, winning our second Section Title. We were also ranked 6th in the nation by the USA Today/NFCA and 2nd among California D-1 schools by Cal-Hi Sports.
The Husky softball program is now deep in tradition and success. Our players find that being a part of this program is demanding. It requires a high level of commitment on and off of the field of play. The Husky softball coaches view our program as an extension of the high school experience. It is a privilege that is earned with a positive, team-oriented attitude, a commitment to our program goals and the desire to achieve “the best.”
We emphasize the importance of family support, performance in the classroom and commitment to the team. We expect our athletes to succeed in the classroom as well as on the field and to uphold the traditions and values of Sheldon High School both now and in the future.
We are excited about the 2008 season. As we enter into competition, we are filled with anticipation and renewed focus. We’ll work hard. We will practice with purpose. We’ll have fun. We will play with passion. We’ll represent our school with determination and respect. We live the motto “Husky Pride”. IT IS A GREAT DAY TO BE A HUSKY.
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Sheldon is featured by Del Rogers on KCRA's Channel 3 Playbook
Friday, July 18
Danielle Henderson verbals to Cal
Congratulations Danielle Henderson!
Congratulations to Danielle Henderson (2011) on her verbal to Cal on July 9th. Danielle will attend Berkeley on a full ride and will join Danielle's sister Jolene (2009) and teammate Lindsey Ziegenhirt (2009) who previously verballed to Cal. GO BEARS!
The Sheldon has committed 5 players to DI programs in the last year.
Sheldon catcher Lindsey Ziegenhirt is still working hard despite an early commitment to Cal
By Quwan Spears - qspears@sacbee.com Published 12:08 am PDT Thursday, July 17, 2008
Lindsey Ziegenhirt had crushes before, but not like the one she had on Cal.
When legendary Bears softball coach Diane Ninemire offered her a full-ride scholarship during a campus visit two years ago, the two-time All-Metro first-team catcher from Sheldon High School could not refuse.
"I gave (Ninemire) a verbal (commitment) right away," she said. "I was sophomore at the time, but it was a situation where they offered everything I wanted.
"Cal is a school I really wanted to go to. So when they made the offer, I didn't hesitate to take it."
Ziegenhirt's word has been her bond ever since. And like many elite prep athletes throughout the country, the incoming senior continues to learn what it means to pledge to a school before signing a letter of intent in her senior year.
Committing early not only takes blue-chip athletes off the recruiting market but also lessens some of the strain that comes with hundreds of colleges competing for their services.
In Ziegenhirt's case, however, committing early has resulted in feeling pressure to stay in contention for the scholarship.
Consequently, Ziegenhirt is using the summer to hone her skills. She is playing in Amateur Softball Association summer tournaments and working out three times week with trainer Patrick Gallagher at Pure Athletics in El Dorado Hills to improve her speed, agility and strength.
Ziegenhirt batted .446 with six homers and 47 RBIs last season for Sheldon. Still, she is working with a hitting instructor to connect better on outside pitches.
In short, Ziegenhirt is doing all she can to fit in with an elite program like Cal's, which won the national title in 2002 and was the runner-up to UCLA in 2003 and 2004.
"When you give a verbal (commitment) so early, you have to prove to everyone why," she said. "You can't go out and say you're just good enough. You have to prove it by getting better and upholding the reputation of Cal."
Those closely associated with Sheldon's program say Ziegenhirt has lived up to the hype of a top-notch player since she was a freshman.
Pitcher Jolene Henderson, who as a junior earned The Bee's All-Metro Player of the Year award in June for the second consecutive year, is Sheldon's most celebrated player.
But many consider Ziegenhirt the heart and soul of a team that finished the past season with a 32-2 record, won its second consecutive Sac-Joaquin Section Division I title over Elk Grove and finished fourth in USA Today's Top 25 national poll.
"Lindsey is truly valuable for us," Sheldon coach Mary Jo Truesdale said. "To be a great pitcher, you have to have a great catcher, and that is what Jolene has in Lindsey."
Henderson, who also committed early to Cal, agrees.
"Lindsey does so much in terms of helping my game," Henderson said. "She knows when I'm pitching well and when I'm struggling. She knows what pitches will work with certain hitters and which ones won't.
"Basically, I feel completely secure with Lindsey behind the plate."
Ziegenhirt appears to have been destined to play softball. Her mother, Laura, played third base for Pacific from 1980 to 1983, and her older sister, Katie, pitched for Sheldon from 2003 to 2006.
Lindsey, however, became a catcher by default.
Six years ago, Laura was a coach of Katie's Little League team. Katie threw the ball so hard that Mom didn't want to risk another player getting hurt. So she put Lindsey behind the plate instead.
"Really, I had no choice," Lindsey said.
Today, she is a natural at the position, earning All-America honors. She will play in the 2008 Under Armour All-America Game on Sunday in Orlando, Fla., with Henderson and Courtney Ceo of Bear River.
Ziegenhirt says she doesn't mind Henderson receiving most of the credit for Sheldon's success. However, she is happy to get noticed.
"Naturally, people watch our team and they say that pitcher is great," she said. "But most times, people don't realize that the catcher is the one calling the pitches or the one framing the pitches behind the plate to convince the umpire that the pitch is a strike.
"I tell people all the time that the one who wears the mask is the boss. And it's so true. Catchers are the only ones who can see everything on the field. So I guess I'm the leader."
Remember the old TV commercials, set to the popular Disney tune, “When You Wish Upon A Star,” in which action shots of the Super Bowl most valuable player was shown and at the end the announcer would ask, “Joe Montana, you’re the MVP of the Super Bowl! What are you going to do now?”
Joe (or Jerry Rice or whomever) would reply while running off the field, “I’m going to Disney World!”
Let’s now localize this and update the commercial for 2008:
“Lindsey Ziegenhirt and Jolene Henderson, you have led the Sheldon Huskies to back-to-back Sac-Joaquin Section Division I softball titles. What are you going to do now?”
Lindsey and Jolene: “We’re going to Disney World! And play in the Under Armor High School All-American Softball Game!”
Commercial ends.
Lindsey Ziegenhirt
Jolene Henderson
“I’m so excited,” Ziegenhirt told the Citizen Tuesday. “I’ve been to Disney World on a family vacation before I entered high school and really liked it. I was so jealous because (Jolene) found out first that she got to play in Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex which is, like, the best facility you can play in. Then I got my letter and I thought, ‘this is amazing that I get to go with my best friend and my almost sister to play at this (all-star game).”
She added that being on a nationally ranked high school team this spring really helped in hers and Henderson’s selection. “Just to be part of this is really cool,” she added.
The pitcher-catcher combo was selected last week to play in the game, which will be shown on ESPNU on July 20 at 10 a.m.
The top 30 high school seniors-to-be were selected for the game.
The pair has been busy since defeating Elk Grove in a pair of 1-0 games May 22 to win the section title. Both have been playing on the Lady Magic’s 16-and-under elite team, coached by Henderson’s father, Joe, Ziegenhirt’s mother, Laura, and Jim Carda, whose daughter, Ally, is the top pitcher for Pleasant Grove High School.
Also on the squad are Jolene’s younger sister, Danielle, who will be a sophomore at Sheldon next year, and Shelby Wisdom, who started last year for Elk Grove.
Ziegenhirt says she’s been working on her conditioning and her hitting this summer.
“My batting average went up 100 points this high school season,” she said. “But, I am just trying to get better. My catching just comes naturally for me. I’m working on getting faster because catchers aren’t exactly the fastest runners on a team.”
The summer club has had great success in the Amatuer Softball Association’s (ASA) series of invitational tournaments the past six weeks. In early June, the Lady Magic won a tournament in Las Vegas, defeating the elite teams from southern California and throughout the West.
Then, in a 32-team national invitational tournament last week in Longmont, CO., the Lady Magic walked through all games unscathed to win that trophy.
“Now, we’re in line for the ASA 16-and-under national title,” the elder Henderson said. That tournament will take place at the end of this month in Kentucky.
Plus, with Carda on the team, Henderson hasn’t had to carry the pitching load for the Lady Magic.
“When we went to Colorado, there was lots of college scouts and Ally and Shelby pitched the pool play games to showcase them,” she said.
Henderson then stepped in the semifinal and final games to help grab the tournament title.
Henderson continued to show she’s got a quality bat, too.
“I hit .464 for the tournament,” she added. “I even hit a home run, so my hitting is getting better.”
Henderson was also a .400-plus hitter for Sheldon this season. During the Colorado tournament, she and Danielle hit back-to-back homers in the same game.
“But, hers went farther, “ Jolene added.
So, by the time Ziegenhirt and Henderson are finished picking up more gold medals and awards from their 2008 softball season, it will be ready for their senior years at Sheldon. No worries about college recruiters, both have verbally committed to Cal-Berkeley and both said they are standing by that decision.
“What other college softball program would I want to go?” Ziegenhirt asked rhetorically. “They always have a top-25 softball program every year. They have everything I need and offered me everything.”
In 2009, the pair wants one more thrill: a section softball three-peat.
From the way they are playing this summer, few teams will be able to stand in their way.
Monday, June 2
California State Teams of the Year for 2008
California State Teams of Year - 2008
Mark Tennis - CalHiSports Editor 6/2/08
For one of the two State Teams of the Year announced today it's the first time ever a team from their city in their sport has achieved such recognition. For the other, it's simply upholding a recent trend.
Jolene Henderson (left) and Morgan Otto were both key players for 2008 State Team of the Year Sheldon of Sacramento.
The two honored squads are from Sheldon High of Sacramento for softball and Notre Dame High of Sherman Oaks for baseball.
Entering the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Div. I playoffs, Sheldon was No. 1 in the state by CalHiSports.com and No. 1 in the nation according to the Rivals.com FAB 50. The Huskies then lost in their third game of those playoffs to district rival Elk Grove, but they were in a double-elimination format and were able to come back and win the title.
With Jolene Henderson pitching a no-hitter and a three-hitter, Sheldon blanked Elk Grove twice, 1-0 and 1-0, in its championship round and finished the season 32-2. The only other loss came to Pembroke Pines of Florida in the championship game of the Nike Faster to First tourney, which was an event that attracted most of the top teams in Southern California. Sheldon was the highest-finishilng California team.
The first loss to Elk Grove did have rankings ramifications as it dropped Sheldon behind unbeaten Simi Valley and 26-3 Santiago of Corona and left them in what would have been a tough call against 29-3 Kennedy of La Palma. The Huskies also would have been behind unbeaten Escondido of the San Diego Section, but the Cougars were upset by Helix of La Mesa on the same day in which Sheldon lost to Elk Grove.
In last week's CIF Southern Section semifinals and finals, none of the three teams that would have or could have finished ranked higher than Sheldon were able to win a championship. Both Santiago and Simi Valley were defeated by Valencia while Kennedy fell in its semifinal game to El Modena of Orange.
In repeating as the champion in the highest classification in the Southern Section, Valencia will jump up to No. 2 in the final state rankings but with five losses for the season that is too many for the Vikings to go in front of Sheldon. Could Valencia be the best team in the state right now? Yes. But for a State Team of the Year honor, which also considers the entire season and not just the playoffs, Sheldon should be No. 1 and Valencia No. 2 with Simi Valley slipping down to No. 3.
Sheldon becomes just the third school from the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section to be chosen State Team of the Year in softball. But neither of the other two – Lincoln of Stockton or Armijo of Fairfield – are from Sacramento. Lincoln, in fact, has been State Team of the Year in softball four times, which is more than any other school.
Sheldon should make a run at a second straight No. 1 state ranking next year as well. In addition to Henderson, who is one of the top juniors in the nation, the Huskies also will be returning standout catcher Lindsey Ziegenhirt, who along with Henderson has committed to Cal.
For the final State Team of the Year selection in baseball, Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks becomes the third No. 1 team in the last five years from the San Fernando Valley. The Knights are following a long line of top teams that includes El Camino Real of Woodland Hills in 2005, Chatsworth in 2004 and Kennedy of Granada Hills in 1996.
Congratulations as well to head coach Mary Jo Truesdale, her assistant coaches, support staff and the rest of the 2008 State Team of the Year Sheldon Huskies: Dejanee Moore, Danielle Henderson, Ali Valdez, Aleisha Brown, Chrissy Hansen, Alexa Rivera, Jolene Henderson, Kristen Gray, Angelica Mendoza, Morgan Otto, Lindsey Ziegenhirt and Cheyenne Cathey.
All-Time State Softball
Teams of the Year
2008 – Sacramento Sheldon (32-2)
2007 – Valencia (32-1)
2006 – Oakley Freedom (25-0)
2005 – Simi Valley Royal (29-2)
2004 – Garden Grove Pacifica (31-2)
2003 – Garden Grove Pacifica (31-2)
2002 – San Diego Mira Mesa (31-1)
2001 – Fresno Bullard (36-1)
2000 – Tustin Foothill (33-2)
1999 – Fresno Bullard (38-1-1)
1998 – Clovis Buchanan (35-2)
1997 – Garden Grove Pacifica (31-1-1)
1996 – Santa Ana Mater Dei (30-1)
1995 – Huntington Beach Marina (24-5)
1994 – Clovis (31-3) (plus 2 wins by default)
1993 – Covina Charter Oak (29-0-1)
1992 – Stockton Lincoln (35-3)
1991 – Stockton Lincoln (29-3)
1990 – Roseville (37-2)
1989 – Lakewood St. Joseph (26-1)
1988 – Santa Fe Springs St. Paul (21-6)
1987 – Stockton Lincoln (30-0)
1986 – Woodland Hills El Camino Real (19-0)
1985 – Huntington Beach Ocean View (32-0)
1984 – Stockton Lincoln (37-1)
1983 – Lodi (27-2)
1982 – San Diego Madison (20-0)
1981 – Santa Maria Righetti (25-1)
1980 – Santa Maria Righetti (29-0)
1979 – Santa Rosa Montgomery (26-1)
1978 – Fairfield Armijo (23-0)
1977 – Huntington Beach Marina (17-0)
1976 – Chula Vista Hilltop (17-0)
1975 – Downey Warren (18-1)
1974 – El Segundo (undefeated)
Tuesday, June 3
Husky Awards for 2008
Congratulations to the following players for earning awards for 2008
Sac Bee All-Metro
Player of the Year - Jolene Henderson
First Team - Alexa Rivera
First Team - Lindsey Ziegenhirt
Second Team - Morgan Otto
Second Team - Danielle Henderson
Delta River League
Optimist - Alexa Rivera and Morgan Otto
Coach of the Year for Delta River - Mary Jo Truesdale
Player of the Year for Delta River - Jolene Henderson
1st Team Delta River - Alexa Rivera, Morgan Otto, Lindsey Ziegenhirt, Jolene Henderson, Danielle Henderson, & DeJanee Moore
2nd Team Delta River - Ali Valdez, Kristen Gray, Cheyenne Cathey, & Aleisha Brown.
Sheldon Husky Awards
MVP Offense - Alexa Rivera
Outstanding Offensive Player - Lindsey Ziegenhirt
MVP Defense - Jolene Henderson
Outstanding Defensive Player - Morgan Otto
Rookie Award - Dejanee Moore & Danielle Henderson
Husky Award - Ali Valdez
Most Improved Player - Aleisha Brown
Sportsmanship Award - Angelica Mendoza
Congratulations Mary Jo Truesdale for winning her 500 Game!!!
Tuesday, June 3
SacBee Player of the Year
All-Metro softball Player of the Year: Jolene Henderson, Sheldon
The 4-3 loss to Elk Grove High School did not sit well with Jolene Henderson, Sheldon's junior pitching ace, who took the section playoff setback personally.
Henderson barely got any sleep after the May 20 game, and she apologized to her teammates the next day for giving up seven hits in the loss that dropped the Huskies from No. 1 to No. 3 in USA Today's national softball rankings and spoiled their chance at winning a mythical national championship.
Sheldon pitcher Jolene Henderson finished her season in dominating fashion. Scott Lorenzo / slorenzo@sacbee.com
Then Henderson unleashed her frustration on her next playoff opponents.
She did not allow a run in her final five games of the double-elimination tournament and pitched two 1-0 shutouts over Elk Grove on May 22 to win the Sac- Joaquin Division I Section championship.
People knew Henderson could dominate, but this season, she proved she could bounce back.
"I was angry about the loss," Henderson said. "I didn't get the job done the first time. But I came through the second time."
For her season-long excellence, Henderson has been named The Bee's 2008 Softball Player of the Year, her second such honor in as many seasons.
Last year, she hit a three-run, gamewinning homer to give Sheldon the 2007 section championship. This season, her will to win is receiving credit.
"She is just a great competitor," Huskies coach Mary Jo Truesdale said. "Jolene is the type of player that, when she steps on the mound, she has the ability to block everything out and focus.
"When it counted the most, she knew what we needed, and she went out and got the job done."
Elk Grove pitcher Allie Crump agreed. "I really think Jolene's effort the second time was all mental," Crump said. "I don't think she blew us away with different stuff. She was just hungrier to win."
Henderson won 30 games this season, 22 by shutout. She struck out 326 batters, including 10 or more 17 times, and compiled a 0.41 ERA.
She batted .400 with five home runs and 31 RBIs. Henderson has become the latest player identified with Sheldon's excellence.
"When you think of Sheldon, you automatically think of their ability to win and the great players they have," Rocklin pitcher Paige Emerson said. "And Jolene is one of those players you think about."
Henderson's presence is a key reason. The 5-foot-7 power pitcher's mechanics are polished, her delivery effortless. Effective as a rule, Henderson showed she is even more dangerous to opponents when she has something to prove.
If a reference is needed, consult Elk Grove.
Alexa and Lindsey earns 1st Team All-Metro for Sac Bee.
Thursday, May 29
Back-to-Back Section Titles for Huskies
Back-to-Back Softball Section Titles
Photo by Bryan Higashino - The Sheldon High School varsity softball team celebrates a second consecutive Sac-Joaquin Section Division I title and the program’s third in school history by giving a water bath to head coach Mary Jo Truesdale.
Sheldon beats Elk Grove twice in same night for program’s D-I title
By Marcos Rodriguez - Citizen Sports Writer 5/29/08
Losing is an inevitable part of any team’s season. Only one team ends the season with a win.
But, for the Sheldon High School varsity softball team, losing was a rare occurrence this year, as they dominated not only the Delta River League but also the Sac-Joaquin Section Division I playoffs as well.
Although, the Lady Huskies did have to work its way through the losers’ bracket and beat one of the top programs in Northern California twice in the same night for consecutive Division I section titles.
After losing earlier in the postseason to Elk Grove High School, Sheldon’s proven pitcher Jolene Henderson led her team to consecutive 1-0 wins and the first back-to-back titles since Fairfield accomplished the feat back in 2000 and 2001.
“I thought the girls really hung in there,” said Mary Jo Truesdale, who, with the section championship victory, notched her 500th career win. “When the opportunity arose, we were able to score and we made the best of the situations when we needed to. One run is all we needed and, in games like this, it usually is just a one-run game. ”
Especially when Sheldon’s starting pitcher had something to prove by producing eight strikeouts in the final game against the Thundering Herd last Thursday. Henderson was on a mission after her sub-par performance in the first playoff meeting with Elk Grove in the quarterfinals, as she allowed a season-high seven hits and four runs.
She regained her usual stingy form with successive shutouts against Elk Grove and also five shutouts in a row to conclude the section playoffs.
The frightening part about her accomplishments is that opposing teams still have to worry about her for another season since Henderson is still just a junior.
“I think it is perseverance and heart,” Henderson said. “(The team) brought it through when we needed to bring it through. This is what we wanted to do the whole year.”
The lone run in the final game came in the bottom of the fifth inning when Cheyenne Cathey earned a single off a fielding error to stir some momentum up for her team. The next batter, Kristen Gray, sacrificed a bunt to advance Cathey and give her teammate a better opportunity to score.
Sheldon’s Morgan Otto attempted another sacrifice bunt to advance Cathey to third base. Alex Rivera then capped off the sacrifices with an RBI single to score the only run of the game off Elk Grove senior starter Allie Crump.
Crump surrendered just an RBI single to Henderson in the first game earlier that night.
“This game talks to the character of the young ladies. It talks to the quality of the ball players,” Truesdale said. “We went and played the toughest teams in the state and by doing that it helped us go through the bottom of the bracket and come out on top.”
Elk Grove, although disappointed with the outcome, showed itts grit and unwillingness to give up when they got down late in the game.
“(Elk Grove) played better in this game than they did in the second game, which is testament to their character,” said head coach Jeff Alexander. “They could have packed it in, but they didn’t. They stepped it up and give credit to Sheldon, when they needed to make plays they did.”
Not to be outdone by her opponent, Crump had a solid pitching game effort in her third start against Sheldon in the postseason. She finished with four strikeouts in the decisive game.
Elk Grove threatened many times to score and possibly tie the game, but it was Henderson’s pitching that slammed the door on the Lady Herd’s title aspirations.
The final hope for Elk Grove to extend the game into extra innings came in its final at-bat.
Right fielder Sam Sinclair tried to create one last opportunity for her team on a single to the right side. Second baseman Kayla Wright immediately grounded into a fielder’s choice to erase Sinclair off the base paths.
Whatever energy the Lady Herd had left in the tank, Sheldon negated the final rally by dominating the game in the same way they began it.
Alexander reflected on his team’s exceptional record during the regular season, including their admirable playoff run as the runner-up for the Division I section title and a second-place finish in the Delta Valley Conference.
Elk Grove only lost twice to Franklin and Sheldon all season.
“No complaints. Would we have liked to finish first, absolutely, but we expect to be back here,” said Alexander.
Sheldon is living proof that determination and strong work ethic can take a team deep into the playoffs, even through the losers’ bracket of the double-elimination format.
“It just goes to show that if you work hard enough and really believe that you’ve worked harder than everyone else that dreams can come true,” Truesdale said
The team now begins preparations for next season and, with their core nucleus of players returning, they will still be an intimidating squad for all their opponents and a legitimate contender to three-peat in 2009.
“We’re going to do a lot of the same things next year and work a little harder. We’ll probably be a little younger next year, but sometimes youth is good,” said Truesdale.
So far youth has given her and the program back-to-back section titles.
Welcome to the Sheldon Husky Softball web site. The goal of Sheldon softball is to provide young student-athletes, through competitive softball, the opportunity to develop the personal attributes of commitment, dedication and integrity, and life long skills of leadership, sportsmanship and teamwork that are needed to be successful adults.
