WNC Softball: Wildcats' Makaylee Jaussi Makes SWAC First Team
Submitted by editor on Sun, 05/10/2015 - 5:14am
Western Nevada College freshman shortstop Makaylee Jaussi's speed, defense and productivity at the plate impressed coaches when it came time to name the All-Scenic West Athletic Conference softball teams.
Jaussi was selected to the first team on Wednesday and honored on Thursday during the opening day of the Region 18 Tournament in Taylorsville, Utah.
Two WNC freshmen also made the second team: outfielder Melanie Mecham and pitcher Kristina George.
Jaussi batted .323 in the leadoff position for the Wildcats and compiled a .413 on-base average. Once on base, Jaussi was a headache for catchers and pitchers as she stole 28 bases and scored 41 runs.
"We know if we get her on base, she's more than likely going to score for us," said WNC coach Leah Wentworth.
As much as speed set up her style of play, Jaussi still showed some pop in her bat. She hit three homers and legged out 11 doubles. Her .465 slugging average was fourth among Wildcats.
But perhaps more important to the Wildcats of Carson City was the way she handled the major responsibilities of shortstop. Jaussi committed only nine errors while assisting on 121 plays.
"She has done such an incredible job in such a crucial spot on defense," Wentworth said. "She makes unbelievable plays almost every time she steps on the field. She has such quick hands and incredible range."
Wentworth said that combination of Jaussi at shortstop and catcher Lauren Lesniak limited the number of bases stolen against the Wildcats this season.
"The way she receives the ball at the bag, she is so aggressive and not afraid at all of contact," Wentworth said.
Through 48 games, Mecham distinguished herself as one of the top hitters in the SWAC with a .417 batting average.
"It's really hard to maintain that high a batting average throughout the year. She leads about every offensive category for us, as well as being in the top five or 10 in the conference for average, hits, RBI and runs," Wentworth said.
Mecham delivered 37 RBI and 68 hits, and was second to Jaussi with 35 runs scored.
"She has been really consistent at the plate and has come up with a lot of opportunities to produce runs. "I know if she comes up in that situation, she's probably going to produce," Wentworth said.
George entered the WNC program as prospective relief pitcher but became the ace of staff. She posted a 13-6 regular-season record, firing 11 complete games and accumulating a 3.14 earned run average.
"She's come in and been the best pitcher we've ever had come through our program," Wentworth said. "She's grown so much that she surprised all of us with everything she has done so far."
George struck out 86 hitters in 140 1/3 innings.
