It wasn’t the hardest hit that Univ. of Florida freshman Nicole DeWitt ever hit in her life, but she’ll gladly take the flair into short left field Sunday in the bottom of the ninth that gave her Gators a return trip to the Championship Series after the exciting 3-2 win over Auburn.

Here’s the NCAA page with video highlights of the thrilling game including Nicole’s game-winning hit.

Nicole knows something about championships: last year she led her Pacifica (Garden Grove, Calif.) High team to a CIF – Southern Section Div. I title, but it didn’t come easy after she missed games earlier in the year with a concussion.

Below are some of the articles we did on Nicole and her Mariners’ team last year in honor of her heroics on Sunday!

***

Honors: 1st Team All-American (MaxPreps), 2nd Team All-American (Full Count Softball), 1st Team All-State (CalHiSports.com).

Here’s the text for what CalHi wrote about Nicole after her senior season last year:

Nicole Dewitt (Pacifica, Garden Grove) Sr.

She’s been one of the most feared hitters in Southern California for three years and will play next at NCAA champ Florida. Dewitt, who batted .398 with five homers, 30 runs scored and 22 RBI, also already has been voted as the CIF Southern Section Division I Player of the Year. A parent of another player at Pacifica declared, “Nicole has been probably the most physically talented and mentally tough player to come through the Pacifica ranks.”

---

High School Championship Recap

On May 31, 2014, Nicole’s Pacifica team went 12 innings to beat M.L. King from Riverside, California 1-0 in a marathon CIF – Southern Section Div. I championship game that went two hours and 41 minutes.

Pacifica was led by Kaylee Carson, now at North Carolina and King countered with Alabama’s outstanding freshman Alexis Osorio who was one of three finalists for Div. I Freshman of the Year (Paige Parker won it).

Osorio didn’t allow a hit until the ninth inning… and still lost despite striking out 16 Pacifica batters… what I remember from the game, though, was King had a chance to win in the bottom of the 7th with two outs and a runner on third.  A ball was hit to Nicole DeWitt who made a strong fielding play and barely gunner out the runner at third.

That allowed the game to go extra and in the top of the 12^th, junior infielder and Michigan commit Faith Canfield led off with a soft floating fly ball that fell into right center for a hit.  She was sacrificed to second and then scored the game’s only run on a rope to the left field fence hit by senior second baseman Brook Marquez, a Northwestern signee.

---

Last spring, Pacifica struggled early, but was able to go all the way.  We did an article titled Can Pacifica Make A Run; here’s that article which originally ran May 14, 2014:

One of the more interesting stories in high school softball this spring has been the play of Pacifica High out of Garden Grove, Calif.

Ranked No. 3 nationally in the preseason FAB 50, the Mariners looked to be one of the top 5 teams in terms of talent starting with perhaps the best pitching duo in the country in senior Kaylee Carlson (North Carolina) and junior Kaley Winegarner (Stanford), who has had to overcome a serious knee injury suffered last year.

Add to that a roster dotted with DI talent including infielders Nicole DeWitt (Florida), Brooke Marquez (Northwestern) and Faith Canfield (Michigan) plus catcher Dejah Mulipola (Arizona) and on paper you have a team that can contend for a title and beat anyone, even the nation’s top team which it will face this week.  Twice.

Pacifica is now 23-4-1 and is ranked a quiet No. 11 in the country—quiet in the sense that the Mariners aren’t getting the national buzz as a national championship contender that others are getting, but that could change if the team can make a run it’s certainly capable of in the playoffs.

Led by Head Coach Mark Campbell, one of the top high school and club coaches in the country, Pacifica has suffered three of its losses to nationally ranked teams:  two to top-ranked Mission Viejo and one to No. 26 Esperanza along with a defeat to Cypress in its league.

On the positive side, the Mariners have played well lately against top competition. The Pacifica schedule is one of the toughest in California, if not the nation, and  was end-loaded with challenging contests by design.

The Orange County team beat and tied Chino High, the two-time Div. II CIF champs,  and All State pitcher Miranda Viramontes (Utah) last week in a double-header and then defeated Yorba Linda and talented pitcher Paige von Sprecken (San Diego) on Tuesday as Carlson pitched a two-hitter with one walk and a season-high 15 strikeouts and Irieanna Naea went 3-for-4 with two doubles, two stolen bases and two RBI to clinch its sixth straight Empire League championship.

Tuesday’s win gave Kaylee Carlson (16-3) her 71st career win (versus only nine losses) as a Mariner.  She appears to be heating up at the right time and also has 171 strikeouts with only 14 walks on the season and a sterling 0.73 ERA against elite competition. For the year she’s only allowing the opposition to have only a .141 batting average against her and, remember, this is against the Mission Viejo’s of the softball world.

This week the team will finish the regular season with a double header against the nation’s No. 1 team, Mission Viejo led by pitcher Taylor McQuillin (Arizona), which can only help prepare the team for the tough one-and-done format ahead in the CIF-SS post-season.

This unusual late-season match-up was smartly planned by the two teams to help prepare them for the playoff run.

“The Mission Viejo double header has been scheduled from the start for good reason,” says a source close to the situation.  “ First, the teams compete in different divisions and will not face each other in the CIF playoffs and secondly both teams wanted to end their season facing strong pitching to ready themselves heading into the post-season.”

Originally a double-header, they are now playing a single game due to extreme heat—the Southern Calif. weather forecast is for 100 degrees on Thursday.

While the game likely won’t impact playoff seedings or even national rankings, it could give a preview of which team is as hot as the weather as the CIF championship runs begin very soon.

***

Pacifica’s Offensive Power:

Here’s the up-to-date stats of the key players leading the Mariners offense:

Nicole DeWitt (Sr. – Florida)
Has .424 avg  .553 OBP, 24 runs scored, 18 RBI, 5 doubles, 4 home runs and 12 stolen bases.  Career .450 avg, .557 OBP 112 runs scored, 75 RBI, 28 doubles, 5 triples, 20 home runs and 38 stolen bases

Brooke Marquez (Sr. – Northwestern)
Batting .338, .472 OBP, 24 runs scored and 7 doubles. Career .286 avg, .391 OBP, 58 runs scored and 10 doubles

Faith Canfield (Jr. – Michigan)
Hitting .407, .448 OBP, 30 runs scored, 28 RBI, 5 doubles and 3 home runs

Irieanna Naea (So. – CS Fullerton)
Has a .423 avg, .534 OBP, 24 runs scored, 31 RBI, 17 walks, 7 doubles and 5 home runs and leads the team with 16 steals

Dejah Mulipola (So. – Arizona)
Compiled a .354 avg, .419 OBP, 28 RBI, 7 doubles and 1 home run

---

On March 28, 2014–a month and a half earlier–we had seen that Pacifica had the talent to make it to the title game…. here’s the prophetic article we did at that time knowing that one of the reason the Mariners struggled was simple–they were missing one of the their top players–Nicole DeWitt!

HIGH SCHOOL: DON’T FALL ASLEEP ON PACIFICA HIGH

Although Pacifica High (Garden Grove, Calif.) lost last Saturday for the second time this month to top ranked Mission Viejo, Calif., and dropped in the FAB 50 from No. 2 to No. 9, there was a strong caveat to the second loss:  the Mariners were without one of their star players, Florida signee Nicole DeWitt, who was out because of a concussion she suffered the week before.

DeWitt came back with a vengeance this week hitting .857, going 6-for-7 with a walk, four runs scored, two home runs and six RBI.  She’s now hitting .600 on the season with three home runs.

Next week, Pacifica will play in the prestigious Michelle Carew Classic Tournament which it won the last two years, beating Los Alamitos in 2012 and Yorba Linda in 2013.  North Carolina signee Kaylee Carlson was twice named the Tournament Most Valuable Pitcher and DeWitt was named the Tournament MVP last year. (Rebecca Lee was MVP in 2012).

It’s entirely likely Pacifica could again take the tournament and gain momentum that will take them through the playoffs.  Let’s put it this way: last year’s No. 1 ranked team at the end of the year was Red Mountain (Mesa, Ariz.) which had five total losses.  With a healthy line-up the Mariners could beat anyone, even a loaded Mission Viejo team that right now looks unbeatable.

But DeWitt and Carlson aren’t the only stars on the Pacifica High team… here’s a look at how some other key players did this past week on Coach Mark Campbell’s team:

— Faith Canfield (2015, Michigan) batted 1.000 with 1.000 on base percentage, was 4-for-4 with a sac fly, stolen base, three runs scored, a double and five RBIs this past week in league play.  Faith is batting .486 with two home runs this season.

— Irienanna Naea (2016, Cal State Fullerton) batted .833 with .833 on base percentage; was 5-for-6 with two home runs, two doubles, four runs scored and six rbis this past week in league play.  Irie is batting .417 on the season with four home runs this season.

— Brooke Marquez (2014, Northwestern) batted .500 with a double and a stolen base and she also has a  .750 on base percentage as she walked once and was hit by a pitch three times this week.  Brooke is batting .375 with three doubles on the season.

Pitching: Both Carlson and Kaley Winegarner (2015, Stanford) suffered losses to No. 1 Missing Viejo, in fact 10 of the 12 runs Pacifica has allowed came at the hands of the Diablos, but Pacifica’s overall pitching performances have been lights out this season.

Kaylee Carlson is 9-1 with a 0.73 ERA with 68 strikeouts in 48 innings pitched and as Winegarner continues to get stronger after coming back from an ACL injury, Pacifica is just as tough as ever to score against.

Winegarner is now 2-1 with a 1.28 ERA and 26 strikeouts in 28 innings pitched.   Carlson combined on a no-hitter and Winegarner combined on a shutout this past week with freshman pitcher Hannah Boos.

 

---

Finally, on February 13, 2014, we did a team profile on Pacifica… note what Head Coach Mark Campbell says about Nicole!

FAB 50 TEAM PROFILE: PACIFICA HIGH (GARDEN GROVE, CALIF.)

If you know high school softball, you’re aware of the Mariners from Pacifica High.

The Orange County school has been a softball power for years now and is usually in the discussion of top national teams.  Pacifica won titles in the CIF Southern Section (the biggest and, usually, the most competitive section in California) in 1997, ’98, ’99, 2003, ’04 and ’07.

Not surprisingly, it’s put out it’s share of elite players including Gold Medal winning Olympian and UCLA title champion Amanda Freed as well as Toni Mascarenas, Jodie Legaspi, Jamie Waldecker, Brittany Weil, Kristen Arriola, Monica and Andrea Harrison and many more.

Since Mark Campbell became the head varsity coach in 2009 and the program moved up to Division I, Pacifica has won five straight Empire League titles too.

Campbell is a retired police officer who’s also a successful club coach—his Team Mizuno-Campbell team won the 14U PGF Nationals last summer.  He didn’t miss a beat when he took over six years ago, earning OC Varsity Coach of the Year honors in his first season and since then has has compiled a 188-26 mark.

The Mariners have advanced deep in the playoffs but, in the Golden State’s tough “one loss and you’re out” format, has hit speed bumps on the way to the title game recently.  The past two years Pacifica has been knocked out in one-run games to other perennial powers like Norco and Corona Santiago on the road.

The team will have to replace some key departed players including shortstop Ruby Rivera (Illinois) who was great defensively, slugging first baseman Rebecca Lee, who earned 1st team All-State honors and starting catcher Sydney Hart, who is now playing at Utah State.

Still, if everything falls into place, the SoCal program has the talent this year to not just make it to the title game but to be in a position to take national honors.

“We have quality pitch and depth including freshman in Hannah Boos who is very good,” Coach Campbell believes.  We have great senior leadership with Nichole Dewitt and Kaylee Carlson, but will still be a young team.  Our defense should be great, but a key will be to see how the hitters do in big games.  We’re deep too and I love our senior leadership, it’s probably the best it’s been since I’ve been her.”

***

Here are the returners to the Mariner’s squad in grad year order, starting with the three senior team captains Kaylee Carlson, Nicole DeWitt and Brooke Marquez… comments are from Coach Campbell:

— P Kaylee Carlson (2014, North Carolina)
Kaylee is a four-year varsity starter with a career record of 55-6, a 0.78 ERA, 35 shutouts and 359 K’s which is career record at Pacifica. A two-time All American  and three-time All-State pick, she threw a perfect game against Placentia last season which included 17 strikeouts in a row.  She will see plenty of starts this season, but is now joined in the circle by previously injured starter, Kaley Winegarner and freshman reliever, Hannah Boos who will all share time in the circle.
Coach Campbell: “Kaylee’s been consistent for four years, from the time to freshman to now.  Goes out and does her thing, know what you’re going to get.

— IF Nicole DeWitt (2014, Florida)
Nicole has hit .457 with 88 runs scored and 57 RBI during her Mariners’ career with 41 extra base hits including 16 home runs.  She’s a four year starter and was a 2012 Sophomore All-American and a 2013 Preseason All-American.  She is a two-time All-State honoree and was the Orange County Junior Player of the Year last season. One of her career highlights at Pacifica is batting over .800 in the CIF playoffs last year. Nicole has seen the majority of time at third base, but will be the starting shortstop this season.
Coach Campbell: “Nicole is probably the best player I’ve had since I’ve been here.  She can be dominant, she can put the team on her back offensively.”

— IF Brooke Marquez (2014, Northwestern)
Brooke transferred from Lakewood High School after her freshman year where she was a 1^st Team All-League player. She is one of the best defensive players in the state and hit the home run that was to be the deciding run at the PGF National Championships in 2013 on the So Cal Athletics team and was a member of the Team Mizuno-Stith PGF National Championship team in 2012. Brooke was an All-Empire League 2nd team honoree for 2013.
Coach Campbell: “She’s a warrior, an absolute warrior.  She’s run through a brick wall, wouldn’t ask.”

— IF/OF Rochelle Draper (2014, George Washington)
Rochelle has been on varsity since 2012 and is now a three-year varsity player.  The ultimate utility player with the ability to play both infield and outfield, she can even pitch if called upon.
Coach Campbell: “Rochelle is a great role player and she’s done a good job.  She’s great at keeping the team up and her personality is infectious.

— C Sarah Jackson (2014, Eastern Kentucky)
Sarah moved to the varsity team as a sophomore where she became a critical part of the team.  Now a senior, look for her to share time behind the dish or at the plate as a DH.  Sarah batted .318 last season.
Coach Campbell: “Sarah has all the talent in the world and when it clicks in she can be special.”

— IF/OF Selena Tajalle (2014, Cal State Northridge)
Selena is a three-year varsity player who after spending most of her sophomore year on the DL, contributed mainly as a pinch runner and DH in 2013.
Coach Campbell: “Selena is another kid with a lot of talent and has improved a lot since last year.

— OF Faith Canfield (2015, Michigan)
Faith is a three-year varsity player with a career average of .327. A 2nd Team All-Empire League pick in 2013. Faith will be the starting center fielder this year and backup short stop.  She notably hit a two-run home run in the PGF Championship game in 2013 for the So Cal Athletics and has two additional National Championships under her belt on the OC Batbusters in 2010 and 2011.
Coach Campbell: “Faith is the perfect kid you want playing for you.  She was our starting centerfielder, we were going to move to short but ended up not doing it, but she’ll do whatever you ask of her.  You want 15 Faiths o your team.”

— UT Dominique Espinoza (2015, uncommitted)
Dom is a two-year varsity player who contributes mainly as a DH or pinch runner.  She can play infield or outfield, is a smart base-runner and contact hitter who can bunt and hit for power.
Coach Campbell: “Dom will be fighting for the starting lineup and has improved a ton since last year.”

— P Kaley Winegarner (2015, Stanford)
Kaley earned Freshman All American honors and was an All State Underclass selection as well as a 1st Team All Orange County honoree.  As a freshman she went 13-0 with a 0.44 ERA but missed most of last season after she tore her ACL at the Carew Classic Tournament and was sidelined until just recently. Kaley has a career record of 17-5 with a 0.93 ERA, 10 shutouts and 185 K’s at Pacifica.  A member of the 2012 National Champions and 2013 runners-up Team Mizuno Stith team, she also won Nationals in 2011 on the OC Batbusters. Look for Kaley to make a strong comeback this year as she will share starts with Carlson.
Coach Campbell: “Kaley has the potential to be something special if she comes back healthy.  Great head on her shoulders and great talent she can be dominant.”

— OF Nicole Wise (2015, uncommitted)
Nicole can be counted on to catch the ball on the run, has a strong arm and also can come up with the big hit when called upon.  A two-year varsity player, Nicole batted .273 last year and earned All Empire League 2nd team honors.
Coach Campbell: “Nicole will be fighting for a starting outfield spot, fast and a good stick.”

— 1B Jaymee Campbell (2016, uncommitted)
Jaymee backed-up All State first baseman Rebecca Lee as a freshman and this season will be slotted as a starter. The daughter of Coach Campbell, she’s been on his teams since 10U and was a member of several of his National Championship squads including the 2013 Team Mizuno 14U champions last year.  Jaymee batted .294 as a freshman and is a solid, contact hitter.  She also currently plays for the OC Batbusters where her father is an assistant coach.
Coach Campbell: “Jaymee will be our starting first baseman, she’s a good defensive player and has a solid bat.”

— C/OF Dejah Mulipola (2016, Arizona)
A two year varsity starter, Dejah made her freshman debut as the starting right fielder and back-up catcher to 1st team All-League senior, Sydney Hart, last season.  Look for her to have a breakout year at the plate and on defense.
Coach Campbell: “Dejah will be our starting catcher, she has a good bat and is great behind the plate.”

— 3B Lynzie Pacheco (2016, Hawaii)
Another two-year varsity player, Lynzie was plagued the majority of her freshman season with injuries, but was able to contribute as a pinch runner with 11 runs scored. Now healthy, she will start for the Mariners at third and is another member from the 2013 14U National Champions Team Mizuno-Campbell program and currently plays for the OC Batbusters – Smith 16U team.
Coach Campbell: “Lynzie has a big stick and good hands at third, that allows us to move Nicole to shortstop because of her.”

The Newcomers:

— OF Brooke Durand (2015, uncommitted)
Look for Brooke to contribute as a DH this season as she is a solid, contact hitter who can also hit for power.
Coach Campbell: “Brooke has improved a lot too and will be in the mix a lot, she’s right there.”

— IF/OF Irieanna Naea (2016, Cal State Fullerton)
Irieanna brings a strong, reliable bat to the line up.  She was on the PGF 14U Nationals second place team, OC Babusters McNee, in 2013.
Coach Campbell: “Irieanna will be the starting right-fielder and is very versatile defensively.”

— UT Allison Seng (2017, uncommitted)
Look for Allison, only a freshman, to pinch run as she competes for a starting outfield position.  She is a lefty hitter who is quick and can slap and hit for power.  She was also on the OC Batbusters McNee team that was a runner-up to Campbell’s Team Mizuno PGF 14U champions.
Coach Campbell: “Allison is a slapper and has been hurt but getting healthy now and is fast and will be running some bases.  She’s a talented kid.”

— P Hannah Boos (2017, uncommitted)
Hannah will see time both on the varsity and JV squads and will add depth to the circle as Winegarner continues to gain strength.  Look for Boos in the role this season of a strong, reliable reliever who will be one to watch as she develops into a starter for 2015 and beyond.
Coach Campbell: “She’s going to be good, Hannah did a very good job in the fall, good pop on the ball and hits her spots well.”