By Ana Patejdl
Gilroy
– The rain didn’t stop the Gilroy softball team from competing
in the Circle of Champions tournament Friday afternoon.
By Ana Patejdl
Gilroy – The rain didn’t stop the Gilroy softball team from competing in the Circle of Champions tournament Friday afternoon.
The ‘Stangs rounded out pool play with a 5-0 win over Terra Nova and a 3-0 loss to Valley Christian, bringing their overall record to 8-3.
The top of the order delivered at the plate once again for Gilroy. Senior shortstop Kayla Aldridge and sophomore second baseman Yolanda Esquivel hit back-to-back singles up the middle to put two runners on for the Mustangs. Sophomore first baseman Erin Magill followed with a sac bunt. Terra Nova fielded the ball and threw it away, which allowed Aldridge to score from second to make it 1-0 Gilroy.
Esquivel, who had moved ahead to third base, then crossed the plate on a past ball to give Gilroy a 2-0 edge.
In the later innings of the game, sophomore Amanda Tellez knocked in two runs off a double. The ‘Stangs scored one more insurance run to earn freshman Brittany Balanesi the win.
Balanesi gave up only three hits in the win.
“She’s really fun to watch wherever she’s playing,” said coach Julie Berggren. “I think she’s just really enjoying playing softball these days.”
In the second game of the evening, Gilroy was unable to continue its winning ways. The Valley Christian Warriors shut out the ‘Stangs by scoring two runs in the second inning and one in the fifth.
“They’re quick. They did a good job of just getting the bat on the ball and had some smart baserunning,” Berggren said. “They took advantage of everything.”
Junior Sarah Villar (4-3) took the loss on the mound.
The Mustangs begin elimination play today, beginning with San Benito at 9am If Gilroy wins, the ‘Stangs will play the winner of Salinas and Milpitas.
Playing San Benito today will provide the Mustangs with a preview of what’s to come Tuesday, when the teams will go head-to-head in TCAL play.
