Softball: Long Beach transfers three sophomores to next level

The Long Beach City College softball team is proud to announce it has transferred all three of its sophomores from its 2012 squad to four-year universities to continue their academic and athletic careers.

First baseman Cassie Garcia (left) is taking her talents to Texas A&M International University, center fielder Danielle Hannan (center) is heading north to Western Oregon University, and catcher Melisa Sponholz (right) is staying in Southern California to attend the University of La Verne.

"I'm extremely proud of these girls," said LBCC head coach Melissa Angel. "They took care of business in the classroom and on the field which gave them the opportunity to move on. They were great leaders for our program and I know they will succeed at the next level."

Batting from the middle of the order, Garcia hit .362 over 21 South Coast Conference games. She totaled 21 RBI and scored 17 runs. At first base, Garcia made just one error in 160 chances. Overall, she was a .280 hitter and led LBCC with 31 RBI.

Texas A&M International is located in Laredo, Texas. Texas A&M International plays at the NCAA Division II level and is a member of the Heartland Conference.

Hannan, the Vikings' primary leadoff hitter, had a .371 average in 21 SCC games. She led Long Beach with 24 runs, 21 walks and 10 stolen bases. She was also perfect in the field with no errors. Overall, Hannan hit .336 and led LBCC with 41 hits, 28 walks, and 17 stolen bases.

Western Oregon is located in Monmouth, Oregon. Western Oregon plays at the NCAA Division II level and is a member of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference.

Sponholz started all 40 games behind the plate for the Vikings in 2012 and threw out seven potential base stealers. For the season, Sponholz had a .264 batting average with 27 RBI and 19 walks.

La Verne is a NCAA Division III institution and is a member of the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

Photos by Chris Ruiz