Ava Montesdeoca did a little bit of everything while starring on Ceres High School’s softball team for the second year in a row this past spring.
The sophomore second baseman earned national recognition for her production on the field.
Montesdeoca was named a National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-American this past week.
She was selected to the NFCA Second Team.
“I just found out today (July 22) after my softball game,” said Montesdeoca, who’s currently playing for the Sacramento-based Lady Magic-Wallings 16-and-under travel team at the PGF National Championships. “Coach (Mike) Corsaut texted me. It was surprising only because I didn’t know it was a thing. I’m really grateful. I’m proud of myself. It’s motivation as well to do more. I can set higher goals for myself.”
Montesdeoca batted .605 from the plate this year with three homers, two triples, 10 doubles, 24 RBIs, 41 runs and 17 stolen bases.
She had an on-base plus slugging percentage of 1.533.
“You can’t ask for more from your leadoff hitter,” Corsaut said. “She did everything. Plus, she’s great defensively.”
Montesdeoca ranked first on the team in batting average, hits, home runs, runs, stolen bases and on-base percentage, second in doubles, RBIs, slugging percentage and on-base plus slugging percentage, and third in triples.
“I knew my place on the team this year,” Montesdeoca said. “I was more comfortable. I did really well. My hitting has definitely gotten better. I always do what’s best for my team.”
Montesdeoca helped lead Ceres High School to a share of the Western Athletic Conference crown (11-3).
She garnered first-team all-WAC accolades for the second straight season.
Montesdeoca batted .587 with two homers, two triples, 10 doubles, 24 RBIs, 50 runs and 21 stolen bases as a freshman.
She had an on-base plus slugging percentage of 1.435.
She had a .949 fielding percentage.
“I love it at Ceres High School,” she said. “It’s a great environment. You always want to do your best.”
When asked to describe herself as a player, Montesdeoca said: “I’m outgoing. I’m very vocal. I’m aggressive. I have fun playing. That’s the biggest reason I love the game.”
Montesdeoca played organized softball for the first time at the age of six.
She started competing at the travel level when she was nine.
She suited up for the California Grapettes 10-and-under team for one season.
“I dedicate all my time to softball daily,” she said. “I also practice with my dad.”
Montesdeoca has been traveling to Vacaville once a week this summer to practice with the Lady Magic. This is her first year playing for that organization.
“It’s a great team,” she said. “We play great competition.”
Montesdeoca is striving to follow in the footsteps of former Bulldog standouts Nicole “Sis” Bates and Mahlena O’Neal by playing softball at the highest level in college.
Bates and O’Neal suited up for Washington and Georgia, respectively.
“This is what I want to do and plan on doing in the future,” she said. “My highest goal right now is going Division-I. Softball is my comfort place. The minute I’m on the field, I feel better. I love the sport so much.”
