HANFORD — Allison Dennis said picking a college was a tough decision at first.

A trip to the California Baptist University made things a lot easier for the Hanford High softball player.

Dennis said she fell in love with the campus during a recruiting trip, and that’s one reason she’s decided to play for the NAIA school in Riverside.

There were other factors, too.

“There coaches are really nice,’’ Dennis said, “and they’re a good team. They’re No. 1 in the nation in NAIA.’’

The Bullpups shortstop said she received “a couple other offers’’ before settling on Cal Baptist.

She’ll be a joining a program with a reputation for winning.

Cal Baptist owns a 40-3-1 rec-ord and gained every first-place vote in the most recent NAIA poll. The Lancers were national runners-up as well.

Dennis, of course, has a reputation of her own.

“She’s a good ballplayer, both offensively and defensively,’’ said Hanford coach Kenny Tokunaga. “She has all the tools to be successful at the next level.’’

Dennis captured West Yosemite League MVP honors last season — and award that most often goes to a pitcher.

A fourth-year varsity player, Dennis has been a key performer for the Bullpups since her freshman year.

She’s continued to make big plays this season. In Monday’s 1-0 victory over Mt. Whitney, she singled to start the decisive rally and scored the winning run. Dennis had three hits in a loss to Redwood last week.

“She has good-eye hand coordination, an she’s quick running-wise,’’ Tokunaga said.

Plus, Dennis is a team leader.

“She’s type of player that you wish the whole team could be like,’’ Tokunaga said.

Dennis said she hasn’t picked a major, but is considering criminology and kinesiology. She’s one of two Bullpups on course to play softball at a four-year college. Pitcher Danielle Clark has signed with Lehigh University of Pennsylvania.

(The sports reporter may be reached at jmatsune@hanfordsentinel.com.)

(April 25, 2006)