Finishing a decorated high school career, Livermore catcher Missy Nunes stood tall for the Cowboys this season, leading them to the NCS Division II championship game and establishing herself as one of the best players in the section.

The backstop was both a feared hitter and a catcher who could control the flow of a game from behind the plate. She registered 16 assists this season from her defensive position, and did not commit an error during the year. Meanwhile, she terrorized opposing pitchers, hitting .514 with eight home runs, 18 total extra-base hits, and 31 runs batted in. And she did it all while serving as a veteran team leader.

“It’s been an honor to play with such a talented player like Missy. These past few years, she has been a true leader by example,” said Livermore shortstop Madison Kahwaty. “Her fun-loving personality has always kept out team loose and relaxed, even in high pressure situations. She especially helped the younger players on our team by making them feel both welcome and comfortable.”

One of the ways in which Nunes led by example was by performing against the best pitchers she faced. In each of the last two years, she hit a home run off Amador Valley standout Danielle Williams, while this year she added three hits, including a home run and a double, with three RBI against Foothill standout Nicole May.

Earlier in the year, she went 4-for-4 with a pair of RBI against North Bay League first-team all-league pitcher Taylor Proctor. Her performances also only got better down the stretch, as Nunes had a five-game, 13-RBI run during key games in May, all the while handling multiple pitchers as Livermore prepared for its run into the playoffs.

“I was so fortunate to be able to play with her,” said Livermore pitcher Melanie Laronde. “She was honest with what each of us pitchers needed to work on and also reassured us when we were doubting ourselves. She always makes people laugh when we are tense or nervous and it really helps us relax.”

Next year, Nunes will head to the Pac-12, as a key recruit at Oregon State. The Beavers get a player who not only hit for both average and power, but also displayed a strong eye at the plate, walking 13 times to post a total OPS of 1.625, fairly amazing considering that she played in one of the strongest leagues in Northern California.

For now, however, Nunes get a few final honors to close the book on her high school career, including our 2017 Prep2Prep Senior of the Year award.

Others players considered for this award include Drake’s Riley Siegel, Heritage’s Kat Hall, Alhambra’s Karlee Sparacino, Rancho Cotate’s Brittney Scardina, and Fortuna’s Hailey Dolcini.

NOTE: We would like to thank our media partners, coaches, parents, players and fans for contributing photos for our all-section features. We salute all of the players that have made this a wonderful season of NCS softball.