Sequim High School graduate Marquita Espinoza was the lone Peninsula Pirate named to the 2009 Northern Region Women’s Fastpitch All-Star second team, as announced last week by the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges.

Espinoza smashed Peninsula’s single season home run record this year, belting nine. The previous mark was six, held by Port Angeles’ Kayla Ralston.

Espinoza was tied for 11th in the NWAACC in home runs for 2009.

The freshman also batted .315, scored 15 runs, drove in 25 RBIs and finished with an impressive .726 slugging percentage.

The Pirate catcher also played tremendous defense, showing her toughness by catching almost every inning of Peninsula’s 33 games this year.

"No one ran on her arm," said head coach Jim Cheney of his all-star catcher.

Former Sequim High teammate Chantal Hughes, of Skagit Valley, was named First Team shortstop and Port Angeles grad Aly Rae of Lower Columbia was Second Team Southern Region pitcher.