Fresno State Athletics
Following the Leaders
5/11/2000 12:00:00 AM | Softball
May 11, 2000
FRESNO, Calif. - The No. 6 Bulldogs are primed to return the College World Series in pursuit of the NCAA title, an accomplishment they achieved two seasons ago. They have already wrapped up the WAC title for the third consecutive year, thanks in large part to their two seniors - Angela Cervantez and Amanda Scott.
Cervantez, the club's first baseman for most of her career, has been solid from day one. During her freshman campaign, Cervantez started 60 of 61 contests at first base, third base and designated hitter, establishing herself as a hitting machine. In her second season, she smashed her first collegiate home run against Arizona and has improved her power surge each year.
Cervantez' junior year was most impressive. She batted .394 with 26 doubles, six triples, seven homers and 73 RBI. She was the WAC Player of the Year, first team All-West Region and first team All-American. It just doesn't get better than that.
Scott's career has been equally amazing. Scott is a three-time All-WAC and All-American selection and undoubtedly will earn those same honors this season. She was the WAC Freshman of the Year in '97 and the '98 Fresno State and WAC Female Athlete of the Year, and rightly so. During her sophomore campaign, she hit .351 with 11 doubles, one triple, 14 home runs and 72 RBI. In the circle, she appeared in 35 games and pitched 27 complete games in her 29 starts. With a record of 25-4 and a 0.79 earned run average, she had 14 shutouts and struck out 180 batters in 195.1 innings.
However, with all the individual accomplishments that these two women have attained, their thoughts turn back to the team. The season at hand remains most important and the seniors will be leading the way.
"I believe this team is capable of anything," Cervantez said. "We have the ability to overcome difficult obstacles and come together as a team to bring success to this program. We have on goal in mind - winning it all."
Cervantez is up for the challenge. She has proven her capabilities are sufficient to take the Bulldogs to the top. Entering the week, Cervantez was two doubles away from the school's all-time record. Currently, she is the WAC career leader in walks (96) and second in two-baggers (53). Leading the team with six home runs, 25 walks and 38 RBI, Cervantez is always a dangerous threat at the plate. She has notched game winning hits against Nebraska, Cal Poly and Hawai'i, a game in which she hit her first career grand slam.
"It's our ultimate goal every year. Those of us that have a ring use it to say `we know what it takes' and we can lead the younger women by example."
Scott has done nothing but help the team's cause. She has been absolutely dominating in the circle. With a 29-3 record with four saves entering the week, Scott's 0.34 ERA leads the nation.
The communications major from Clovis, has 29 complete games, recording 24 for shutouts. She has already struck out 200 batters for the second consecutive season, the only Bulldog to achieve such a feat. She has six career no-hitters and she posted her 100th career victory at home against Loyola Marymount. She has been awarded WAC pitcher of the Week eight times and has also been named NFCA National Player of the Week.
Throughout their career, the two seniors have had a tremendous impact on the school and community. But Cervantez and Scott believe they have been influenced strongly by their coach, Margie Wright.
"Coach Wright has a very big influence on all of us," Cervantez said. "She is a big part of my life personally and I have learned so much from her."
Scott agrees: "Coach is a great motivator and a great leader for this team. She's out there to fire us up individually and as a team. She is able to take our strengths, notice our weaknesses and react to them to give us a good team solution. She really emphasizes the team concept."
The blend of great coaching, youthful energy and senior leadership can only make things exciting come post-season time. Although reflections of the past are important, the Bulldogs see it fit to concentrate on the present and make more memories for the future.
"It was a truly satisfying experience in 1998 and we definitely want the opportunity again," Cervantez said.
There is no question they will seize the opportunity again. And who will lead them? Who else - the seniors.
