CSUN Softball Preview Part 2-The Returning Players
2/8/2022 9:47:00 AM | Softball
Preview Part 1
NORTHRIDGE, Calif.—The CSUN Softball team begins its second season under the tutelage of Charlotte Morgan on Feb. 10 at No. 3 UCLA. As the Matadors get ready to open the 2022 campaign, let's look at the 11 returning players as the season is getting ready to get underway.
Sami Garcia, R-Jr., San Dimas, Calif./San Dimas HS
Garcia started 22-of-23 appearances in 2021, playing both second base and in the outfield. She tied for fifth on the team in RBI (5) with Aaliyah Swan. Garcia set a career-high with two hits against UC San Diego on May 7.
"Sami gives up depth all over the field," Morgan said. "She understands the offensive side better than anyone. She is a student of the game, and we look for her to help both in the infield and outfield this year."
Paloma Usquiano, R-So., Downey, Calif./Arkansas
Usquiano led the Matadors in putouts (92) and was tied for third in assists (26) with Kenedee Jamerson last season. She was third on the team in RBI (6) and tied for fourth on the squad in doubles (3) with Jaymi Steward.
"Paloma every day shows up works hard and sets the standard," said Morgan said. "She is even a better teammate off the field. She will be working mostly at first base this season."
Jordan Kaeka, Jr., Lakewood, Calif./Lakewood HS
Kaeka walked five times in seven plate appearances during the May 14, 2021, doubleheader against UC Santa Barbara. In the opener against the Gauchos, she walked three times, tying her with 17 others for the second-most in a game at the Division I level by a Matador. She walked twice in the nightcap. Kaeka ended the season third on the team in walks with nine and was fourth on the Matadors in on-base percentage (.343). Kaeka threw out a team-high four base runners attempting to steal.
"Jordan is our junior catcher who has defiantly started to show her true potential behind the plate," Morgan said. "All her work behind the scenes is paying off. She will be helping us behind the plate and at first base."
Maiya Alemania, So., Fairfield, Calif./Rodriguez HS
Alemania was limited by injuries as a freshman a year ago. She started all seven of her appearances during the season, went 4-for-20 at the plate, and recorded 10 putouts and one assist playing in the outfield.
"Maiya will help us in the outfield," said Morgan. "We have to keep her healthy and she does everything she needs to. She has a high game IQ."
Alexis Lemus, Sr., Bloomington, Calif./Mt. SAC
Lemus led CSUN in hitting (.289), hits (22), and tied for the team lead in doubles (5) with Kenedee Jamerson last season. She was second on the team in slugging percentage (.395), on-base percentage (.357), and at-bats (76). Lemus tied with Jaymi Steward for third on the team stolen bases (3). The first at-bat of CSUN career resulted in an inside-the-park home run against Cal Poly on Mar. 20 and would begin the year on an 11-game hitting streak before it was halted during the UC Davis series on Apr. 16.
"We are excited that she is back from her injury, and she hasn't skipped a beat on the offensive side," Morgan said. "She will be working as our DP and then play some first and second base. She is one of our leaders on and off the field for our program. She played hurt last year so we are excited to see her play full out this Spring."
Kayla Dominguez, R-So., Morgan Hill, Calif./Valley Christian HS
Dominguez appeared in six games, starting once in the circle in 2021. She went 0-1 with a 6.70 ERA, striking out three in 15.2 innings pitched.
"Kayla adds depth in the circle for us," said Morgan. "She came back in tremendous shape and has taken her game to another level. She's one of the hardest working pitchers I have ever coached."
Aaliyah Swan, Sr., Modesto, Calif./Joseph A. Gregori HS
Swan tied for second on the team in hits (20) with Jaymi Steward a year ago. She was third on the squad in hitting (.270), runs scored (8), doubles (4), and at-bats (74), and was fourth on the team in slugging percentage (.324) and on-base percentage (.329). Swan drove in five runs, tying for fifth on the team with Sami Garcia. She hit .500 with two runs scored and one RBI and did not commit an error in 12 chances at shortstop against Long Beach State from Apr. 2-3.
"Aaliyah is another one who has elevated her game," Morgan said. "She has taken the defense on her back and been our leader in the dirt. She will play mainly at shortstop. We are younger around her so having her experience and leadership is big for us. She also has tremendous power at the plate."
Kenedee Jamerson, Gr., Los Angeles, Calif./Santa Monica HS
With the COVID waiver issued for players from the 2020 season, Jamerson returns with a chance to her fifth letter for the Matadors. The 5-8 lefty was named honorable mention All-Conference and Academic All-Conference in 2021.
Jamerson started all 26 games at either first base or as a pitcher, hitting .239 with nine RBI. Jamerson tied for the team lead in doubles (5) with Alexis Lemus and was second on the team in walks (10) and on-base percentage (.370). As a pitcher, she was ninth in the Big West in innings pitched (81.1), and 17th in strikeouts (29)...finished 2-8 with five complete games and a 3.61 ERA.
"KJ adds our experience to the circle," said Morgan. "She also adds power to our offense. We were lucky to be able to bring her and a few other seniors back to help lead this program. She works hard in everything she has to do and can't wait to give her a full season to finish her career."
Jaymi Steward, R-Sr., Redlands, Calif./Redlands HS
Like Jamerson, Steward returns for her fifth year of competition. She was also selected honorable mention and Academic All-Conference last season. Steward started all 26 games, leading the team (10th in the Big West) in home runs with five.
Her 15 RBI paced the Matadors and ranked her 35th overall in the Big West. Steward led the squad in runs (12), triples (2), walks (11), slugging percentage (.592), and on-base percentage (.402) and was second on the team in batting (.282).
"Jaymi is the hardest worker I have ever met," Morgan said. "She is dedicated to being a leader for us in the outfield and for our team. She is another one we were able to bring back for her senior year and she has not taken a day for granted! Her athleticism at the plate is incredible."
Elise Madison, R-Jr., Elk Grove, Calif./Pleasant Grove HS
Madison was forced to take a medical redshirt in 2021. She is 2-4 with five saves in 19 career appearances for the Matadors.
"Elsie is coming off an injury and so excited to get her back in the circle," said Morgan. "It has been a long hard road for her, but she has put in the time and is ready to see her get in the circle this season."
NORTHRIDGE, Calif.—The CSUN Softball team begins its second season under the tutelage of Charlotte Morgan on Feb. 10 at No. 3 UCLA. As the Matadors get ready to open the 2022 campaign, let's look at the 11 returning players as the season is getting ready to get underway.
Sami Garcia, R-Jr., San Dimas, Calif./San Dimas HS
Garcia started 22-of-23 appearances in 2021, playing both second base and in the outfield. She tied for fifth on the team in RBI (5) with Aaliyah Swan. Garcia set a career-high with two hits against UC San Diego on May 7.
"Sami gives up depth all over the field," Morgan said. "She understands the offensive side better than anyone. She is a student of the game, and we look for her to help both in the infield and outfield this year."
Paloma Usquiano, R-So., Downey, Calif./Arkansas
Usquiano led the Matadors in putouts (92) and was tied for third in assists (26) with Kenedee Jamerson last season. She was third on the team in RBI (6) and tied for fourth on the squad in doubles (3) with Jaymi Steward.
"Paloma every day shows up works hard and sets the standard," said Morgan said. "She is even a better teammate off the field. She will be working mostly at first base this season."
Jordan Kaeka, Jr., Lakewood, Calif./Lakewood HS
Kaeka walked five times in seven plate appearances during the May 14, 2021, doubleheader against UC Santa Barbara. In the opener against the Gauchos, she walked three times, tying her with 17 others for the second-most in a game at the Division I level by a Matador. She walked twice in the nightcap. Kaeka ended the season third on the team in walks with nine and was fourth on the Matadors in on-base percentage (.343). Kaeka threw out a team-high four base runners attempting to steal.
"Jordan is our junior catcher who has defiantly started to show her true potential behind the plate," Morgan said. "All her work behind the scenes is paying off. She will be helping us behind the plate and at first base."
Maiya Alemania, So., Fairfield, Calif./Rodriguez HS
Alemania was limited by injuries as a freshman a year ago. She started all seven of her appearances during the season, went 4-for-20 at the plate, and recorded 10 putouts and one assist playing in the outfield.
"Maiya will help us in the outfield," said Morgan. "We have to keep her healthy and she does everything she needs to. She has a high game IQ."
Alexis Lemus, Sr., Bloomington, Calif./Mt. SAC
Lemus led CSUN in hitting (.289), hits (22), and tied for the team lead in doubles (5) with Kenedee Jamerson last season. She was second on the team in slugging percentage (.395), on-base percentage (.357), and at-bats (76). Lemus tied with Jaymi Steward for third on the team stolen bases (3). The first at-bat of CSUN career resulted in an inside-the-park home run against Cal Poly on Mar. 20 and would begin the year on an 11-game hitting streak before it was halted during the UC Davis series on Apr. 16.
"We are excited that she is back from her injury, and she hasn't skipped a beat on the offensive side," Morgan said. "She will be working as our DP and then play some first and second base. She is one of our leaders on and off the field for our program. She played hurt last year so we are excited to see her play full out this Spring."
Kayla Dominguez, R-So., Morgan Hill, Calif./Valley Christian HS
Dominguez appeared in six games, starting once in the circle in 2021. She went 0-1 with a 6.70 ERA, striking out three in 15.2 innings pitched.
"Kayla adds depth in the circle for us," said Morgan. "She came back in tremendous shape and has taken her game to another level. She's one of the hardest working pitchers I have ever coached."
Aaliyah Swan, Sr., Modesto, Calif./Joseph A. Gregori HS
Swan tied for second on the team in hits (20) with Jaymi Steward a year ago. She was third on the squad in hitting (.270), runs scored (8), doubles (4), and at-bats (74), and was fourth on the team in slugging percentage (.324) and on-base percentage (.329). Swan drove in five runs, tying for fifth on the team with Sami Garcia. She hit .500 with two runs scored and one RBI and did not commit an error in 12 chances at shortstop against Long Beach State from Apr. 2-3.
"Aaliyah is another one who has elevated her game," Morgan said. "She has taken the defense on her back and been our leader in the dirt. She will play mainly at shortstop. We are younger around her so having her experience and leadership is big for us. She also has tremendous power at the plate."
Kenedee Jamerson, Gr., Los Angeles, Calif./Santa Monica HS
With the COVID waiver issued for players from the 2020 season, Jamerson returns with a chance to her fifth letter for the Matadors. The 5-8 lefty was named honorable mention All-Conference and Academic All-Conference in 2021.
Jamerson started all 26 games at either first base or as a pitcher, hitting .239 with nine RBI. Jamerson tied for the team lead in doubles (5) with Alexis Lemus and was second on the team in walks (10) and on-base percentage (.370). As a pitcher, she was ninth in the Big West in innings pitched (81.1), and 17th in strikeouts (29)...finished 2-8 with five complete games and a 3.61 ERA.
"KJ adds our experience to the circle," said Morgan. "She also adds power to our offense. We were lucky to be able to bring her and a few other seniors back to help lead this program. She works hard in everything she has to do and can't wait to give her a full season to finish her career."
Jaymi Steward, R-Sr., Redlands, Calif./Redlands HS
Like Jamerson, Steward returns for her fifth year of competition. She was also selected honorable mention and Academic All-Conference last season. Steward started all 26 games, leading the team (10th in the Big West) in home runs with five.
Her 15 RBI paced the Matadors and ranked her 35th overall in the Big West. Steward led the squad in runs (12), triples (2), walks (11), slugging percentage (.592), and on-base percentage (.402) and was second on the team in batting (.282).
"Jaymi is the hardest worker I have ever met," Morgan said. "She is dedicated to being a leader for us in the outfield and for our team. She is another one we were able to bring back for her senior year and she has not taken a day for granted! Her athleticism at the plate is incredible."
Elise Madison, R-Jr., Elk Grove, Calif./Pleasant Grove HS
Madison was forced to take a medical redshirt in 2021. She is 2-4 with five saves in 19 career appearances for the Matadors.
"Elsie is coming off an injury and so excited to get her back in the circle," said Morgan. "It has been a long hard road for her, but she has put in the time and is ready to see her get in the circle this season."
~#UniteTheValley~
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