COD Softball: Robinson, Maldonado & Nelson Named 3CFCA Academic All-State

Three College of the Desert Softball players, sophomore right fielder Giselle Maldonado (Rancho Mirage H.S.), sophomore right handed starting pitcher Lauren Robinson (La Quinta H.S.) and sophomore left fielder Nalacia Nelson (Beaumont H.S.), were recently named to the 2020 California Community College Fastpitch Coaches Association (3CFCA) Academic All-State Team.

The 2020 season was truly a season of firsts for the Roadrunners including: knocking off LA Valley for the first time since 2003, defeating East LA, Santa Ana, and Allan Hancock for the first time since 2013, knocking off Chaffey for the first time since 2015, and winning 13 of 14 games from January 31st through February 21st.

Robinson received the bulk of the innings in the circle for the Roadrunners, tossing 104 innings in 21 appearances, accumulating a 10-6 record with a 3.16 earned run average and 75 strikeouts. The defending Pacific Coast Athletic Conference (PCAC) Player of the Year (MVP) was also named to the 3CFCA All-California team in her freshman season. Robinson's sophomore season appeared to be heading on a similar trajectory, until the Spring sport season was abruptly cancelled by the CCCAA on March 13, 2020 to stem the COVID-19 virus outbreak. Her dominance was not just limited to the circle as Robinson was second on the team in batting average (.579), home runs (4) and slugging percentage (1.026), while leading the team in runs batted in (46) and walks (14).

Maldonado had participated in 21 games this season, making nine starts and Nelson, while on the 2020 roster, made her most recent plate appearance on March 10, 2018.

Recipients of this honor must have completed at least one season of softball, at least 24 units and have earned a 3.5 G.P.A. or higher. Robinson, Maldonado & Nelson were three of only 47 women to receive the honor across the entire state.

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For additional information, please contact the COD Sports Information Office at 760.423.6641.

Information, Photo & Story provided by COD Sports Information.