The Cypress Chargers claimed the 2023 Orange Empire Conference and the 25th title in program history after finishing with a record of 19-2 in OEC play.
They were rewarded with six individuals landing on the All-Orange Empire Conference teams while sophomore pitcher Emily Rush was named the 2023 OEC Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive season.
Rush not only dominated in the circle with a 1.70 earned run average and 15 wins but also led the OEC in hits (33), runs batted in (24) and homeruns (11).
Cypress also saw Kaitlin Reynolds and Jaylene Duarte make the All-OEC First team while Lizbeth Gomez, Camryn Addimando and Mikala Jacobsen earned second team honors.
The Fullerton Hornets put pressure on the Chargers throughout the year and took second in the OEC standings with a 16-5 record. The Hornets were led by pitcher Allyson Fuentes, who was named the Co-Most Valuable Pitcher in her freshman year.
Fuentes posted the lowest earned run average in the OEC at 1.11 and collected 12 wins with 47 strikeouts. The Hornets also saw Meah Almaraz play her way onto the first team while Jordan Elias was placed in the second team.
Santiago Canyon College leaned on their core of sophomores as Brooke Owens, Lindsey Marschall and Riley Piattoni carried the Hawks to a third place finish with a record of 13-8. The trio all earned spots on the All-OEC First team while Owens was named Co-Most Valuable Pitcher and led the OEC in strikeouts at 84.
The Orange Coast Pirates had a nice year in OEC play with a record of 10-11, placing in a tie for fourth place. Ariana Williams and Emilie Lapena both played their way onto the All-OEC First team. The Pirates also saw Lapena pick up the 2023 OEC Defensive Player of the Year award.
Santa Ana took a step back from their championship run in 2022 but still earned double-digit wins in the OEC with a record of 10-11. Jojo Westerfield was the lone Don to land on the All-OEC First team while Sierra Griego was voted to the second team.
Placing sixth was Riverside City with a 7-14 record. The Tigers were a tough out for a lot of teams and were led by All-OEC Second team selection, Chloe Lockhart.
Sophomore pitcher Desiree McGruder and Mia Calderon were key to a Saddleback team that finished 5-16 for seventh place. Both earned spots on the second team after solid seasons.
Rounding out the group was a Golden West program that continues to make strides. The Rustlers saw two individuals voted onto the second team with Isabella Green and Aolani Sua both earning their way.
2023 SOFTBALL ALL-ORANGE EMPIRE CONFERENCE
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER - Emily Rush, Cypress College
CO-MOST VALUABLE PITCHERS - Allyson Fuentes, Fullerton College and Brooke Owens, Santiago Canyon College
COACHING STAFF OF THE YEAR - Cypress College
DEFENSIVE PLAYERS OF THE YEAR - Emilie Lapena, Orange Coast College
FIRST TEAM ALL-ORANGE EMPIRE CONFERENCE
Emily Rush - Cypress College
Jaylene Duarte - Cypress College
Kaitlyn Reynolds- Cypress College
Allyson Fuentes - Fullerton College
Meah Almaraz - Fullerton College
Ariana Williams - Orange Coast College
Emilie Lapena - Orange Coast College
Jojo Westerfield - Santa Ana College
Brooke Owens - Santiago Canyon College
Lindsey Marschall - Santiago Canyon College
Riley Piattoni - Santiago Canyon College
SECOND TEAM ALL-ORANGE EMPIRE CONFERENCE
Camryn Addimando - Cypress College
Lizbeth Gomez - Cypress College
Mikala Jacobsen - Cypress College
Jordan Elias - Fullerton College
Aolani Sua - Golden West College
Isabella Green - Golden West College
Chloe Lockhart - Riverside City College
Desiree McGruder - Saddleback College
Mia Calderon - Saddleback College
Sierra Griego - Santa Ana College
Alyssa Jauregui - Santiago Canyon College
Release by Cammie Lewis, Santa Ana SID