It was announced earlier today that four University of Redlands softball players landed on the All-Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) Teams for their contributions throughout the 2018 season. Senior utility player Shannon Skrzynski (Pomona, CA) earned a First-Team nod, while senior first baseman Olivia Vierra (Burlingame, CA) and first-year centerfielder Samantha Rivas (Whittier, CA) collected Second-Team honors. In addition, junior infielder Jordyn Smith (Highland, CA) represented Redlands on the SCIAC All-Sportsmanship Team.
Skrzynski receives her inaugural First-Team nod but second All-Conference award, as she garnered Second-Team honors in her first season. During the 2018 campaign, she stepped up in a multitude of ways while showing off her versatility in the infield, outfield, and at bat, seeing time in 23 SCIAC games. At the plate, she tallied a .324 batting average, which came off of 23 hits, including a team-leading eight doubles, one triple, and three home runs. She took the top spot on the team with 23 RBI and a slugging percentage of .592. She was also consistent in the field with 24 putouts and 23 assists en route to an excellent fielding percentage of .959.
Vierra caps off a great four-year career as a Bulldog by becoming an All-SCIAC honoree for the first time. While competing in 28 conference games, she led the team in hits with 33 including four doubles and two home runs for an awesome .344 batting average. As the primary first baseman, Vierra tallied 181 putouts of 189 chances for great .995 fielding percentage. She also recorded seven assists and was a part of nine double plays.
Additionally, Rivas etched her name onto the Second-Team list in her first year with the Maroon and Gray. As the starting centerfielder, Rivas snatched 56 putouts and fired down two assists that led to a .951 fielding percentage. Seeing time in all 28 SCIAC games, Rivas led the team in at-bats (97), home runs (4), and triples (2). She also recorded a .320 batting average, .362 on-base percentage, and .536 slugging percentage.
Finally, Smith represents the Bulldogs on the All-Sportsmanship Team.
Head Coach Liz Slupinski stated, "Jordyn has an incredible work ethic and is passionate and dedicated to the game and her teammates. Her commitment to being the best player she can be not only improves her game but pushes her teammates as well. She is one of the most positive and outgoing student-athletes on the softball team."
The All-SCIAC teams are nominated by and voted upon the head coaches of each member school. For a complete list, please visit the SCIAC website.