For the first time since 2009 and the first time in Coach Chris Hylland’s career, the Eagles Softball team is headed to the playoffs.
The 2022 Eagles, led by First Team All-Conference selection freshman Shortstop, Jizzell Ruiz (number one in the state with 53 Stolen Bases) .394/.515 AVG, .458 OBP and First Team All-Conference freshman Pitcher/Util, Lizbeth aka "Dollar" Mora (3.15 ERA, 11 home runs, 41 RBI), in addition to big contributions from Second Team All-Conference players, Tiare Laporte (9 home runs, 41 RBI), Cristabelle Alvarado (.414 AVG with 11 RBI), and Haylee Sanchez (.300AVG).
The Eagles also had two honorable mentions in standout defensive second baseman, Joanna Jimenez, and their very own Swiss Army knife, Nikki Santa Cruz.
The goal of making the playoffs has always been the same for head coach Chris Hylland each of the five years he has led the softball program at L.A. Mission College. However, each year the program had fallen just short of that goal. The first few years were a success as those were about changing the culture of the program while also creating pathways to four-year institutions where his student-athletes could be successful. But this year was supposed to be "THE year". This team was one of the most talented overall that Coach Hylland and staff has ever coached.
"I couldn’t be prouder of this group of women," Coach Hylland said. "They truly grinded all year long and they never lost sight on the goal and through all the adversity, they made it.”
The Eagles had some pretty big wins during their 40-game season, especially down the stretch. With their backs against the wall, they won five of their last six games and none bigger than knocking off number 12 ranked, AVC, at home. In the end, the Eagles finished number 15 in the south, locking in the first playoff appearance since 2009.
The Eagles begin their playoff run at College of the Canyons where they will host Barstow College on Tuesday, May 3 at 3PM.
