BANUELOS EARNS ALL-CONFERENCE IN TWO SPORTS

Freshman Clarissa Banuelos (Rancho Cucamonga HS) is one of only two multi-sport athletes this year and was recently honored as a member of the All-IEAC team.  This is her second first team selection for the 21-22 year having been honored in the fall by the South Coast Conference for water polo.

Banuelos came to Chaffey as a recruit of Head Coach Jerry Tivey with the intention to play softball.  Last fall, she also jumped into the deep end as a lead attacker for the water polo team.  "It's no surpise to me that Clarissa earned another 1st team selection," commented Laura Kocsis (Women's Water Polo Head Coach).  "She is such a hard worker and really leaves all on the field/in the pool."

Head Coach Tivey continued, "When Clarissa first came to us last summer, she was very raw and we weren't sure how much catching time she would get. But, she exhibits a tremendous amount of hustle and "go-get-it-iveness" (I guess I'll make up a word just for her!) that we couldn't keep her off the field. Instead, she blossomed into the best catcher in conference and she is the only athlete who has played in every game for us."

In the pool, Banuelos led the conference and was #2 in the state for shots attempted at 203 and was 2nd in the SCC  for goals made (69).

On the field, Clarissa has put up excellent numbers from the #9 spot in the order:  a .363 batting average with 27 RBI and 28 runs scored. She has also handled all three pitchers skillfully, earning their trust with her openness to criticism and her willingness to learn.

"I couldn't be more proud of her; she's the sparkplug on the team and a joy to be around as a teammate and as a person," Tivey summed up.  And Kocsis couldn't agree more, "Myself and her teammates are very proud of her and cannot wait to continue to work with her in preparation for the 2022 season."