Varsity Softball Ends Preseason Victoriously

KAYIU WONG
Staff Writer

During their last scrimmage of the season on April 5, the varsity softball team’s solid defensive plays and fast scoring runs were key elements in their defeat against the Flintridge Prep Rebels. The team defeated the Rebels 9-0, ending their preseason with a record of 4-5.

Beginning the game offensively, the Lady Moors scored an exciting four runs in just five minutes during the top of the first inning. Junior pitcher Francine Mejia then dexterously struck out two Rebel batters, starting the match with an action-packed pace.

Proceeding into the second inning, the team received three easy plays, using their fortified defense in obtaining consecutive outs. The Moors then stole second and home base during the third inning, adding on to their already advancing lead. By the bottom of the fourth inning, the Rebels still had yet to score.

After a batting order lineup change in the sixth inning, the Moors scored their last two runs of the game. The crowd grew anxious and excited as all bases were loaded by Flintridge during the seventh inning. This became their final opportunity to score. However, after skillfully striking out the last Rebel batter, the Moors secured their victory and ended the game with a triumphant score of 9-0.

“We really have been coming together as an unit lately and [while going against Flintridge] we definitely performed well in sticking together as a team to win,” captain Dezarae Murray said.

After an overall record of 4-5, this season’s scrimmages have helped the team finalize both their offensive and defensive lineups. According to Murray, daily practices consist of stretching, playing catch, working inside the batting cages and passing the ball from base to base. These group exercises allow the girls to hone their skills in terms of fielding, throwing, batting, and most importantly, teamwork.

“During practice, [we] mostly focus on our weaknesses from previous games so that we can improve for the next one. Everyone this season has a strong mentality in working together and using our love for the sport to win league and move on to CIF,” freshman Destiny Alegria said.

One setback the season has brought so far was losing seniors from last year who initially carried the team. Currently with five freshmen playing for varsity this season, this team consists of more underclassmen than the past years’.

Right after the match against Flintridge Prep, the team began their Almont League matches on April 8, with an away match against the Schurr Spartans. The Lady Moors lost the conference game against Schurr 11-6.

Regardless, the Lady Moors are hopeful in coming out triumphantly in Almont League rankings. The team aims to use their infielding skills, bond and momentum from the recent preseason to place higher than third place, their rank last season.