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It’s a broken record for Likens, who received the exact same honors in 2006.  While Likens spent her freshman season splitting time between pitching and 2^nd base, she decided to concentrate more on being a position player in ‘07.  Likens did pitch in 7 games for the Lady Mats in ’07-going 4-2 with 3 complete games and a team-best 1.52 ERA, but it was her bat and defense that provided much of the Mats’ punch.  Likens started 58 of the 59 games she played in, and was 5^th on the team in hitting with a .349 batting average.  The 2006 NJCAA All-American was 2^nd on the squad in runs scored (45), hits (66), triples (2), and led the team in stolen bases with 13. On the defensive side, she was tied for the best fielding percentage (.978) of any Matadors’ position player, committing only 4 errors in 182 plays she made at second base.

Who was the other stalwart of defense for AWC?  It was Megan Young, who joined Likens on the All-Region I 1^st Team and All-ACCAC 2^nd Team (as a utility player), and also had a  stellar .978 fielding percentage, committing just 5 errors in 225 opportunities on the mound and at first base.  The sophomore transfer from San Joaquin Delta College was AWC’s top hitter with a .393 batting average, and was 2^nd on the team in doubles (14), home runs (3) and slugging percentage (.552).  Megan’s 57 hits and 34 RBI were both 3^rd-best on the Matadors, and were even more impressive considering that she spent much of season battling various injuries, which forced her to miss 15 of the Matadors’ 61 contests.  As a pitcher, the Stockton, California native won 10 of her 15 decisions (2^nd-most on the team) with a 1.64 ERA.  She amazingly went the distance in 12 of her 13 starts, and was the runaway leader in strikeouts (112 in just 94 innings).

If you’re looking for the team leader in most offensive categories, look no further than FaGaines, the Matadors’ starter in center field for all 61 games.  FaGaines was the only Matador freshman to be named to the postseason teams-and for good reason.  The Covina, California native was the team’s most balanced hitter, finishing just behind Young for the team batting title (.392).  FaGaines showed the most power on the team (9 HR, 6 triples, 17 doubles, .688 slugging percentage-all team highs), and was the most consistent (74 hits, 51 runs scored, 50 RBI-again all marks leading the team).  She not only played the most games of any Matador in 2007, but she was also one of only three position players to start every game they participated in (along with 3^rd baseman Corrie Nishikida and shortstop Shannon Galanek).

Last but not least is Davis, who makes the postseason teams for the 2^nd straight year.  Courtney rebounded from a midseason slump to help power the Mats down the stretch, winning 5 of her last 6 decisions.  For the 2^nd straight season, the Stockton, California, native led the team in wins (12), innings pitched (129 1/3) and complete games (15), and was tied for 2^nd on the team in strikeouts (88).  Even though she was named to the postseason teams as a pitcher, Davis was one of the team’s top hitters with a .356 batting average, with 11 doubles and 24 RBI. 

Likens, Young and Davis all played their final games in Matador uniforms Tuesday in a doubleheader sweep of Gateway Community College.  AWC finished the season with a 36-25 record.