Lady O's dominate post-season honors

June 15, 2009

PEARLAND — Bechtle, Clark received top awards

It isn't any surprise that the 2010 Class 5A state champion Pearland Lady Oilers dominated the All-District 22-5A teams.

Pearland head coach Laneigh Clark was named "Coach of the Year" and senior shortstop Jaclyn Bechtle received the "Most Valuable Player" award to go with her MVP award at the state tournament.

Laneigh Clark has been at the helm of the Lady Oilers for 12 years beginning in 1998. The last two years, Pearland has won the 5A Region III title and advanced to the state finals both years.

Pearland lost 1-0 last year to Smithson Valley, but the veteran coach wouldn't let her girls forget they had some unfinished business from a year ago. That vision and focus saw the Lady O's return home with the 2010 5A state title. Pearland has a combined 74-13-2 record over the past two seasons.

Six Lady Oilers were named to the All-District first-team. They were: Senior shortstop Jaclyn Bechtle (MVP), junior pitcher Jessica Bowden, senior first baseman Meagan Coronado, junior second baseman Lauren Langner, junior left fielder Leandra Maly, and junior pitcher Brooke DuBois.

Langer was named as an at-large infielder and DuBois was named as a uitility player.

Jaclyn Bechtle had a tremendous season in helping Pearland to their second state title in school history. Bechtle hit .437 with a school-record 11 home runs, 45 hits, 21 runs scored, 11 doubles, and 34 RBIs. Bechtle had a sparkling field percentage of .968 with 65 assists, 57 putouts, 3-of-6 stolen bases, and only four errors.

"Jaclyn is one of the premier shortstops in the state," Clark said. "She is respected as one of the best power hitters in the Houston area; is very smooth and technically sound."

Jessica Bowden finished with a 20-2-1 season record with a 0.58 ERA in 113 2/3 innings. She allowed only 11 earned runs all season while issuing a meager 19 walks with 138 striketouts. Her opponent's batting average was an anemic .199.

Bowden was also effective at the plate hitting .346 with 14 runs scored, two triples, and 10 RBIs. Bowden was a second-team All-State pick by the Texas Sports Writers Association last year.

"Jessica is our go-to pitcher on the mound for every big game," Clark said. "She has wins over many ranked opponents including two shutouts over Lewisville Hebron (1-0) in the state semifinals and a 4-0 shutout against Austin Bowie in the championship game."

Megan Coronado hit .395 with 33 runs scored, 49 hits, 14 doubles, three triples, and 17-of-21 stolen bases. Coronado was named to the Texas Sports Writers Association first-team last season.

"Megan is one of the premier leadoff hitters in the state," Clark said. "She is a triple threat at the plate. Her defensive skills are outstanding and she is a very crafty runner who creates problems for defenses."

Lauren Langner hit .427 with 36 runs scored, 53 hits, five doubles, and 24 RBIs. She stole 23-of-24 bases and had a .468 slugging percentage.

"Lauren is one of the most athletic, quick middle infielders in the state," Clark said. "Her range and defensive skill at second base are outstanding. She certainly proved that at the state tournament."

Leandra Maly hit .338 with 18 runs scored, eight RBIs, and 15-of-15 stolen bases.

"Leandra is a true speedster," Clark said. "She came back from an early season injury to make plays during the playoffs and especially made the difference in our winning the state championship."

Brooke DuBois came on strong from the pitching circle at the start of the season and posted a 16-1 mark while also serving as the designated hitter with a .290 batting average.

"Brooke is one of those kind of players who steps up where she is needed," Clark said. "Her pitching greatly improved from her sophomore year and it gave us a one-two punch during the regular season and playoffs. She stepped up big time against Clements in the playoffs that gave us the sweep."

Pearland had only one player named to the All-District second-team and that was sophomore right fielder Stacie Pilkington who hit .417 for the season.

All-District honorable mention went to junior catcher Chelsea Bennett and junior centerfielder Sara Clements. With the All-District teams being selected prior to the playoffs - both players could have easily garnered first or second team honors.

Bennett stepped in at catcher when All-American Megan Marcet went down with an ACL injury at the start of the season and was lost for the year. Bennett hit .317 and handled each pitcher with poise and maturity.

Clements also took over at centerfield this season and did a remarkable job while hitting .265. She made a sliding catch of the final out in the state finals to give Pearland the championship.

Both these girls could have easily made the first or second team and will be vital players in Pearland's quest to return for a repeat state title in 2011.

Here is a list of additional honors for the Lady Oilers

UIL State All-Tournament Selections
Pitcher - Jessica Bowden - Jr - Pearland
Catcher - Chelsea Bennett - Jr - Pearland
1B - Megan Coronado - Sr - Pearland
SS - Jaclyn Bechtle - Sr - Pearland - MVP
OF - Leandra Maly - Jr - Pearland

TGCA 4A-5A East All-Star Selections
Jaclyn Bechtle, Pearland
Megan Coronado, Pearland

TGCA All-State Selections
Jaclyn Bechtle - Sr - Pearland
Jessica Bowden - Jr - Pearland

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