By Barron Demons
Alexis “Guz” Guzman shines in her first season as a college softball player and was voted on the First Team All-Panhandle Conference.
First Team All-Panhandle Conference is an award given to some of the players who are considered the best in their conference after every season.
Guzman is a Miramar, Fla. native and played at American Senior High School. She averaged a jaw dropping .752 from the plate her senior season, proving to have what it takes to play at the next level. She has been a heavy contributor to the Pirate Softball Team this season. She plays both sides of the ball and multiple positions on defense including catcher and third base.
“Without my team, I wouldn’t be where I am today, and I wouldn’t have came close to making first team all conference.”
During the regular season, she batted .343 which was good for third best on the team.
“I honestly couldn’t have done it without my coaches and teammates. They’ve been there for me through all the good and bad.”
The top two teams in their respective conference get a chance to compete in the FCSAA (Florida College System Activities Association) State Tournament. Guzman stepped up and was one of the better players on the team when conference play aroused. While playing conference opponents, she lead the team in runs batted in (RBI) with 17, tied for home runs with three, tied for second in hits with 17 and tied for first with six extra base hits.
At one point during the season, Guzman had a seven game hitting streak and tallied four RBIs in that span.
One of her best games came against conference opponent Tallahassee Community College (TCC). In a single game, she had two hits, two home runs and five RBIs.
“I went out there and had fun with my teammates. We all had confidence in one another and they just helped me build up my confidence.”
With another year of eligibility, Guzman has the opportunity to become an even better player, and a chance to make First Team All-Panhandle Conference for a second year in a row.
“My goal for this upcoming season would be to get faster, stronger and smarter. I want to make First Team All-Conference as well as First Team All-State.”
Guzman will certainly be one of the more talented players on next year’s roster, and she will look to have another superb year entering her last season as a Pirate.