Softball player receives highest honor

The Fighting Owls softball team third baseman, Amanda Herrera, was named the Citrus College female athlete of the year.

"It feels really great," said Herrera on being named female athlete of the year. "I feel accomplished. It is something that will be in the record books, so it feels pretty cool knowing that I can leave my own little legacy. It's a close-your-eyes-and-take-some-time-to-be-proud-of- yourself kind of moment."

The 5'3" switch hitter, nicknamed "Turbo," played and started in 40 games in the 2010 season.

She led the team in number of plate appearances, having appeared 133 times this season, and led with 11 doubles.

Herrera, 19, ended the season with .303 batting average, having 122 at bats.

In the 40 games she played, she racked up 23 runs, 37 hits, 2 home runs and 18 RBI's, ranking second in each category.

No stranger to the field, being one of the two returning veterans on the team this year.
Last season, Herrera was named the All SoCal Honoree and received First Team All-Conference.

This season, besides being named the female athlete of the year, she received Second Team All-Conference.

This year, the Owls softball team made it to the regional playoffs in Fullerton. The Owls took the first game, winning 1-0, but ultimately lost to Fullerton College in the second and third games, eliminating them from the playoffs.

Despite the loss, Herrera still thinks this was a remarkable season.

"The girls worked really hard to win and be a team," Herrera said. "I was really excited to be going to the playoffs, because I had never been to them. I know that we could have made it further, it just wasn't meant to be this year. I hope that they bring that fire with them next year to playoffs to make me proud."
In the last playoff game against Fullerton College on May 2, Herrera had 4 at bats, producing 2 hits, 1 run and 1 RBI.

"She's one of the most gifted kids we've had come through this program," said head coach Jackie Boxley. "She's a hustler, she's a hard worker, she does everything right that a student athlete is supposed to do."

Her teammates said Herrera has definitely left a lasting impression, not only on them but the program as well.

"She has a big heart, on and off the field," said utility player Rebecca Lopez. "She's just fun to be around, and she makes me want to keep playing and working hard."

She plans on transferring to a university in Texas or Colorado and graduate with a kinesiology degree.

Even though Herrera will not be returning to play for Citrus College, she says she will be back in spirit.

"The two years being at Citrus College were my best years," said Herrera. "The girls and coaches from both this and last year helped me be the player I am today. I will never forget my time being a Citrus College Fighting Owl!"