GALT, CA (MPG) - Under the golden glow of the stadium lights, the Liberty Ranch High School baseball team closed an extraordinary season with an emotional awards banquet, celebrating standout performances, hard-earned accolades and the unwavering spirit of a team united by more than just the game.  

The Hawks soared to a remarkable 12-2 league record, securing second place behind an undefeated Bradshaw Christian squad. Despite the sting of narrowly missing the league title, the team’s grit and camaraderie shone brightest during the night’s festivities.  

The CIF’s All-League selections sparked conversation, as Liberty Ranch—despite its stellar record—received just three spots (seniors Kade Lecompte, Vance Moe and Garrett Owen), while other teams with lesser records landed more. The third-place team was awarded four spots, while the last-place team was given two spots, while Galt High, ahead of them, was only given one.  This was due to the CIF making three of the awards “at-large,” giving the group of coaches the power to award those by voting.  

However, the league’s coaches voted to give Liberty Ranch Head Coach Jason Adversalo the Coach of the Year: a testament to his leadership and the program’s culture.  

“Awards are fleeting, but the lessons these young men take from this game—discipline, perseverance, accountability—that’s what lasts," Adversalo remarked, his voice tinged with pride. “We don’t just train ballplayers; we’re shaping futures. These kids battled every day, not just for wins but for each other.”

The banquet carried profound weight as players and coaches paid tribute to Junior Varsity Coach Tony Gomes, whose relentless determination to support the team amid his battle with brain cancer became the season’s emotional cornerstone. 

“Tony’s presence was our rallying cry,” Adversalo shared. “He showed us all what true toughness looks like.”

The Hawks’ award recipients embodied the team’s balance of talent and tenacity:  

Hawk All-Team Award: Nolan House, Hunter Adversalo  

Coaches Awards: Andrew Guthrie, Austin Vicens Landon Peterson

Garrett Owen, Defensive MVP

Vance Moe, Cy Young Award (pitching MVP, feared by batters league-wide)  

Kade Lecompte,  Offensive MVP

P.O.P. (Pace of Play) Award: Jayden Scelzi (for relentless hustle)  

Radio Language Award: Kyle Quaresma (for “spicy” walk-up music choices)

The future looks promising as Liberty Ranch’s junior varsity squad honored its own standouts:  

JV MVP: Jayden Valle  

Silver Slugger: Alec Ortega

JV Pitcher of the Year: Mason Gomes 

JV Gold Gloves: Kade Jaramillo, David Sanchez

Triple Threat Award: Josh Vargas 

Coaches Award: Owen Bennett

As laughter and brotherhood filled the evening, Adversalo left his team with a final charge: “Wherever life takes you, carry the same heart you showed here. Be leaders. Be family. And never stop grinding.” 

With a roster brimming with talent and character, the Hawks’ legacy is secure—not just in the standings, but in the lives they’re building beyond the diamond.