TOP 10 STORIES OF THE YEAR : Matadors’ Resilience Was Second to None

Considering the obstacles and distractions endured by the Cal State Northridge softball team, the Matadors’ second-place finish in the Women’s College World Series in May is nothing short of miraculous.

The Matadors, who posted a 52-10 record and claimed their second consecutive Western Athletic Conference title in the school’s fourth season at Division I, enjoyed their finest season in history despite the distractions caused by the January earthquake. The team tolerated classes in portable trailers, a mini-media circus and housing displacement--and performed like a powerhouse.

Pitcher Amy Windmiller and third baseman Shannon Jones survived the collapse of their Northridge Meadows apartment in the 6.8 shaker and responded with career seasons. Both garnered All-American honors.

But the Matadors, who lost to Arizona, 4-0, in the championship game, were not exactly America’s sweethearts.

The brassy, senior-laden team earned a reputation as an overly aggressive and mouthy bunch. Some referred to the Matadors as the Bad Girls. Oklahoma sportswriters called them the no-namers of the World Series.

And through it all, Northridge never played better.