Hancock Softball's Judith Salazar Signs with McPherson College

A two-time All-Western State Conference First Team selection, Allan Hancock College softball's Judith Salazar signed scholarship papers to become a student-athlete at McPherson College on Thursday. McPherson College is located in central Kansas.

"I'm super excited to go and experience new things, continue to play ball and get my bachelor's degree," said Salazar, who plans to major in elementary education to become a preschool or kindergarten teacher. "When I came to Hancock, I wanted to earn a scholarship to pay for college. Now that I have, it feels great to see my hard work, time and effort pay off."

Salazar led the Bulldogs with a .402 batting average, 45 hits and 36 RBI her sophomore season. Salazar was an All-Southern California pick as a freshman when she hit .417 with 15 doubles, five triples, four home runs and 50 RBI. She ranks third all-time in program history with 86 career RBI.

The McPherson Bulldogs compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC). McPherson went 9-39 during the 2016 season under second-year head coach Ashley Spencer.

Salazar has never visited Kansas, but she based her decision on a virtual tour with coach Spencer and academic counselor through FaceTime.

"They walked me around campus and showed by everything. It was just like I was there," said Salazar. "I like that it's a smaller campus and I am looking forward to having small classroom sizes and live in a new environment."

Hancock football players Isaiah Hill, a Pioneer Valley High School graduate, and lineman Emose Haukoulua signed in March to play football for McPherson College.

Salazar's signing marks the third straight year a Hancock softball player has earned an opportunity to play at a four-year university. Katie Chenault and Jessica Rothanzl signed with Cal State Northridge, a Division I program last year. Outfielder Kristine Ramos signed with St. Mary University in 2014. All four athletes, including Salazar, graduated from Righetti High School.

Three other Hancock softball players have finalized their plans for the fall. Third baseman Ashley Ruiz, a Nipomo High School graduate, will attend California State University, Monterey Bay; Micalah Herrigel will enter Hancock's dental assisting program; and Trista Berryman will transfer to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.