CLASS 4A HONORS: Grizzlies’ DeLio catches attention

Most Valuable Player awards are generally reserved for upperclassmen.

It takes an exceptional season for a sophomore to capture her league’s MVP honor.

That’s exactly what Spring Valley’s Georgi DeLio did.

The catcher/infielder hit .649 with 30 RBIs for the Grizzlies en route to Southwest League MVP honors.

“She’s just a phenomenal hitter. She saw the ball really well,” Spring Valley coach Dan Johnson said. “She was our fire-starter. She kept us in a lot of games.”

The Grizzlies (10-16, 7-9 Southwest) struggled much of the season, largely because their pitching staff was hit hard.

DeLio’s adjustment to a more patient approach at the plate helped the Grizzlies remain competitive. Spring Valley finished a game out of fourth place in league play.

“That patience was huge for her. She just killed the ball,” Johnson said. “Her average boosted about 200 points from her freshman year.”

DeLio had 12 doubles, three triples and four home runs in 23 games. She struck out only four times in 84 plate appearances.

“There are very few things I have to work on with her,” Johnson said. “She has the talent, she has the drive, but she does get a little frustrated when she walks or strikes out. When she matures a little bit there, nothing will stop her.”

DeLio was also a big key to the Grizzlies’ defense.

Though DeLio’s primary position is catcher, Johnson didn’t hesitate to move her to shortstop after starting shortstop Katie Campo was lost to injury or to third base against teams that bunted often.

“She’s a phenomenal catcher,” Johnson said. “I had to put her in some other places to help our defense, but her defense is almost as good as her offense.”

Clark junior Julia Hagen was named the Southwest’s Pitcher of the Year after throwing all but seven of the Chargers’ innings this season.

Bishop Gorman’s Kevin Smith was the league’s Coach of the Year.

In the Northwest, Centennial freshman Heather Bowen took MVP honors and Palo Verde senior Melissa McCormick earned Pitcher of the Year. Centennial’s Mike Livreri is the league’s Coach of the Year.

Chaparral senior JeNiece Morgan and Las Vegas senior Jenise Gutierrez shared Northeast MVP accolades. Rancho junior Amber Marlett is the league’s Pitcher of the Year, and Canyon Springs’ Mickey Arquette is its Coach of the Year.

In the Southeast, Coronado junior Lee Harrison swept the MVP and Pitcher of the Year awards, and Coronado’s Missy Krueger and Silverado’s Victor Pierro shared Coach of the Year honors.