PJC’s softball Dragons make school history

Published or Revised May 07, 2013

History was made this weekend as the Paris Junior College softball team, led by a coach in her first year, won the regular season East Zone Conference and then won the National Junior College Athletic Association Region XIV Championship on Sunday. PJC softball coach Nicole Dickson led the team to a 5-4 win in the ninth inning over Trinity Valley Community College. They now advance, for the first time in PJC history, to the NJCAA National Tournament in St. George, Utah, May 15-18. "It was a good weekend," said Dickson. "We played six games and won our first two, then lost to Trinity Valley. We came back and won three games, forcing an 'if' game with TVCC for the championship. "The girls did a great job and played hard. I think one of the reasons we were so successful is our pitching depth. Sarah Smeltzer went the first three games and did a great job and we still had two quality pitchers who were fresh for Sunday. I really feel that pitching depth was the reason we pulled it out." "I am so very proud of Coach Dickson and the team," said PJC President Dr. Pamela Anglin. "This is a tough region to compete in, and these young ladies certainly earned the trip to the national tournament. It is nice to be part of a first at PJC as they make history." Named First Team All-Region were pitcher Sarah Smeltzer of Richardson, Texas, and designated player/utility Alexis Padilla of Houston, Texas. Second Team All-Region included infielder Audrey Farfan of Rockwall, Texas, and outfielder Dara Hendon of Van, Texas. Named First team All-Conference East Zone were pitchers Smeltzer and Chancy Williams of Paris, Farfan for infield, outfielders Hendon and Samantha Reynoso of Mesquite, Texas, and Padilla for DP/Utility. "I was proud that we could represent the school, and we're thankful to have faculty and staff and great parents who were there to support us," said Dickson. "It's a great day to be a Dragon."