Chenault, Rothanzl Sign Scholarships to Division I-Level Cal State Northridge

Katie Chenault and Jessica Rothanzl have been best friends and teammates for years. They helped the Righetti High School softball team capture the program's first C.I.F. title in 31 years their senior season with the Warriors. They led the Allan Hancock College softball team to the program's first Western State Conference title in 16 years last spring as freshmen.

"People think we are twins and confuse us for each other all the time," said Rothanzl.

It was only appropriate, the two signed national letters of intent to play softball at the next level together. Rothanzl and Chenault signed scholarships with Cal State Northridge.

"I came here to Hancock in hopes of earning a Division I scholarship, and now I have," said Chenault. "I am very grateful for the opportunity to continue my career at Northridge."

Chenault led the state and set a new program record with 370 strikeouts her freshman season. She posted a 1.39 ERA and won 26 games. She also hit .358 at the plate with a team-high seven home runs and 33 RBI. She was named Conference Pitcher of the Year and to the All-State Team. She plans to major in psychology at CSUN.

Rothanzl, a first baseman, led the Bulldogs with a .439 batting average, 53 RBI, 15 doubles and 42 runs scored. She was voted to the All-Region Team and to the All-Conference First Team.

"I am thrilled to be able to play at the highest level of softball and experience Northridge with my best friend," said Rothanzl, who plans to major in child development.

The Cal State Northridge Matadors compete in the Big West Conference and went 31-26 last season. Hancock head coach Scia Maumausolo was inducted to the CSUN Hall of Fame in 2001.  "The signings are huge for these women, as well as for our program," said Maumausolo. "I am proud of the hard work they put in and it is paying off in a big way. I think they will do great things at Northridge."

Maumausolo was a three-time All-American catcher for the Matadors who still owns program records for career home runs (46) and RBI (163). Hancock assistant coach Chastity Johnson also played a CSUN.

Chenault, Rothanzl and the Bulldogs open the 2015 season on January 29, 2015, at a tournament hosted by the College of the Desert.