Meza named queen of the diamond

photo by Liz Lucsko

Junior Gina Meza, Women's Softball shortstop, was honored as an All American in NCAA Division III, and SCIAC player of the year. Meza traveled to Pella, Iowa, last season to compete in the NCAA Division III Softball Regional playoffs. Meza, who plans to be graduated from La Verne in December, will have another year of eligibility.

by Amanda Egan
Staff Writer

She is an offensive powerhouse with a golden glove that leads the University of La Verne softball team to many victories on the diamond.

She was named All- American and the Most Valuable Player in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference as a sophomore during the 2001 University of La Verne softball season.

Junior, Gina Meza, has experienced and contributed to many great achievements during her three seasons with the squad.

"Without question, Gina Meza is one of the most talented players that we have had in our program," head coach Julie Kline said.

Meza grew up in Hacienda Heights with her family and attended the private Catholic high school, Bishop Amat.

She began playing softball at age 6 and is still going as ULV opened its season play a couple of weeks ago.

Out of high school, Meza had a few offers to play ball at other universities, all the way up to Division I schools, but she opted for ULV to stay close to her family.

Not to mention the fact that Kline called her repeatedly to influence her decision.

She is happy with her choice and really enjoys the small school. At ULV Meza started as shortstop as a freshman and also began making her contribution at bat.

During her first season at La Verne Meza suffered a minor concussion after a collision on the playing field. That was the only time during her career at ULV that the silent warrior had to sit out for a week, just to be cautious.

That season the team reached regional playoffs in Orange County, but was eliminated before reaching nationals.

After her freshman year, Meza was selected by United States Athletics to represent the USA in a tournament in Hamburg, Germany.

Playing softball in Germany "was an incredible and well worth it experience," Meza said.

After returning, she resumed play at ULV and had an exceptional 2001 season as one of the leading players to the conference title.

Meza was named MVP of SCIAC for the 2001 season.

"Overall her play is so intense, she makes me want to be a better player," senior, Kim Schrepfer said.

She hit 13 homeruns and made numerous great defensive plays contributing to several defeats.

"Offensively, Gina is a big- time hitter, she has the ability to go with power to any field," Kline said. "Defensively, her range and arm at shortstop is the best at any level."

After winning SCIAC the team attended regional play in Pella, Iowa. There Meza was recognized. She eventually received All-American honors for NCAA Division III.

Meza was thrilled about her past awards but believes there is room for improvement. As long as she gives 100 percent she said she is happy.

"Gina leads by example and motivates us to do well," Schrepfer said.

The team is stronger than ever this season with lots of new talent and many returners. And she has high hopes for the season.

"We have a really strong team, with returners and good newcomers that add a lot of depth," Meza said.

So far ULV is undefeated with a 9-0-1 record. They are 6-0 in conference play.

Meza hopes and expects ULV will reach the World Series this season.

Outside of softball, Meza, a criminology major, concentrates on her studies and is on track to graduate in the spring of 2003, she said.

Meza hopes to get into law enforcement as a detective, who investigates crimes.

Meza also holds a job as server at the local Coppacabana restaurant.

"Gina's success is a result of her work ethic, focus and desire to be the best," Kline said.