Freshman Shortstop Feeds Off Of Intensity, Pizza At HPU
By Jack Danilewicz
E-mail this story | Print this page | Comments (0) | Archive | RSS | Share
Del.icio.us
|
When it comes to making a smooth transition from prep softball to the college level, it is hard to top Hawaii Pacific University freshman Celina Garces.
A standout at Mililani High School the past four seasons, she’s already hit her stride at HPU, earning a starting position at shortstop on a talent-laden roster. Her output at the plate has been especially noteworthy to date, as she entered last weekend with a batting average of .378 to go with five RBIs. In HPU’s 6-3 win over Grand Canyon last week at Howard A. Okita Field, the first in a double-header sweep, Garces went 4-for-4 at the plate, and through her first 14 college games boasts a fielding percentage of .964. The ladies return to action Friday when the team meets PacWest Conference rival BYU-Hawaii at 1 p.m. at home.
Garces recently took some time away from her school day as well as softball practice to answer some questions for the Central Oahu Islander.
What is your earliest sports-related memory?
When I was 8, I played Bobby Sox (youth softball), and I was on a Mililani All-Star team that won the state (championship). It was one of my first years playing, and we ended up going to the Nationals in California.
What part of the game did you work on in off-season? Actually I worked more on my defense, fielding-wise. I had played third base in high school, and when I talked to my coach (at HPU), he told me I needed to work more on playing shortstop, so I tried working from that angle.
What’s been the biggest adjustment from high school to the college level for you? I think it’s the intensity. I feel like there’s more strategy and thinking to the game than when I was in high school.
What is your least-favorite household chore? Cleaning up in general. Putting away clothes. Clothing is all over my closet. It’s just kind of laying around.
Areyou the lifeof the party or the girl who stands by and listens? I guess it depends on who I’m with. I can come out and be the shy type. I would-n’t say I’m the life of the party, but I talk more after I get to know the person.
What Web site do you frequent the most? Facebook - to pass the time and talk to people I don’t get to see in person a lot.
What movie could you watch over and over? My favorite is The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. I like the action scenes, and it has a really good story plot.
What is currently in your iPod? I’ve been listening to a band called May Day Parade. I like to listen to a lot of rock. Usually before a game - on the drive - I rock out!
Are you a neat freak or messy? I’m kind of both. I’m organized, but messy. I know where my mess is.
Who’s had the biggest impact on you in your life? I’d say definitely my parents (Marino and Bernette Garces).
They’ve shaped who I am. They’re always there to support me in everything I do - especially school. My mom pushes me to do well in school, and they are always there at my games.
Do you play video games? What system do you have, and what are your favorites? I have the Wii. I had my birthday recently, and I told my parents I wanted the game Just Dance. I’ve played it a couple of times - on my birthday and with my teammates. I also play Wii Sports. I like the tennis.
You are stuck on the island of Kahoolawe. You have an endless supply of one food. What would it be? That’s hard because I love food.I really like pizza. I really like Buca di Beppo’s pizza - it’s an Italian restaurant in Ward Center.
E-mail this story | Print this page | Comments (0) | Archive | RSS
Most Recent Comment(s):
