In sports lore, there is often talk of “”the boys of summer.”” This of course refers to baseball players who gruel through a long season during the hot months.
Well, how about the “”girls of spring?”” This refers to college softball players.
UCSD is home to some of the top softball players around, and, sadly, it is now time to say adieu to four Tritons who will gently go into that good night of graduation.
The four departing players are Christina Searing, Michelle Wilson, Kim Vorsatz and Jeanine Cordero.
Searing played second base for UCSD. She bounced back twice from injuries to become an integral part of the team, playing 51 games this season. Searing led the team with 14 walks and also led the team in doubles.
“”She came back twice after tearing her ACL,”” said Triton head coach Patti Gerckens. “”She brought determination. She brought heart and a work ethic to the field. She also brought leadership. She was a good athlete.””
On game day, Wilson could be found out in right field for the Tritons. She finished the 2001 campaign with 33 hits.
“”She brought enthusiasm,”” Gerckens said. “”She brought power to the plate from the left side. She had heart.””
Vorsatz brought hustle every time she stepped onto the diamond, playing first base and in the outfield. Playing sparingly, she drove in six batters and scored nine runs in only 51 at bats.
“”Kim was someone who would run through a wall for you,”” Gerckens said. “”She pushed herself and was there to push her teammates. She worked her tail off. She made plays.””
Cordero, who played third base, was clearly a team leader. She batted .287 with a slugging percentage of .392. She connected with 41 hits, scored 18 runs and had 56 total bases. Cordero’s skills at the hot corner earned her all California Collegiate Athletic Association honors.
“”[She is] one of the toughest kids I’ve ever had,”” Gerckens said of Cordero. “”She played through broken fingers and a concussion. She was an incredible third baseman.””
