Gators head into spring championships, capping stellar sports year

When San Francisco State University’s men’s baseball team clinched the fifth seed in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Championships with a 12-4 victory over Chico State May 3, it wasn’t just another win for the Gators. It capped an extraordinary year for the Department of Athletics: Every one of the University’s 13 athletics programs advanced to the postseason in 2018-19.

“This 2018-19 season has been historic,” said Director of Athletics Stephanie Shrieve-Hawkins. “As the fall and winter sports all reached postseason, it became a clear goal for the entire department and the spring sports did not disappoint. I am beyond proud and excited. These Gator student-athletes never cease to impress us with everything they balance.”

In the fall, the women’s and men’s cross country teams and women’s volleyball set the stage for what was to come by winning their way into postseason competition. In the winter, the women’s and men’s basketball teams both earned berths to the CCAA Championships, with the men’s team hosting a first-round playoff game. On the mat, SF State wrestling sent a pair of qualifiers to the national championships, and both grapplers — Jordan Gurrola and Justin Pichedwatana — earned All-American honors.

SF State senior Brady Dorn

Now the trend has continued into the spring. Women’s track & field had five All-Americans in six events during its indoor season. Men’s track & field, which was reintroduced after a 15-year hiatus, finished its season at the CCAA Championships. But it was the women’s team that stole the show.

In addition to the team title, SF State took home a handful of individual awards. Monisha Lewis earned the CCAA High Point. Courtney Massengale was named the Field Athlete of the Meet after earning All-CCAA honors in shot put, discus and javelin to account for 26 points. Alexis Henry was tabbed the Track Athlete of the Meet after winning the 200m, 400m and leading the way in the 4x100 and 4x400. Lyons earned the Coach of the Year award, which is the third-straight time a Gator coach has taken home the hardware.

After upsetting top-seeded University of Californi San Diego in the CCAA Championships, SF State softball earned an at-large berth to the NCAA Championships. This is the first NCAA appearance since 2006 for the Gators softball team, which opened up NCAA Regional action Thursday, May 9, against Western Oregon. The Gators are led by CCAA Freshman of the Year Brylynn Vallejos, who leads the conference with a .459 batting average, the 17th highest in the country. Vallejos set a new program record for doubles in a season with 18. She also owns the program record for runs with 54 and hits with 94, which is currently the third most in the nation.

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