After losing its first game of the season 10-0 to the
Presentation Panthers Tuesday, Gilroy High’s varsity girls softball
team put the screws to the Valley Christian Warriors Thursday,
winning in impressive fashion, 8-0.
After losing its first game of the season 10-0 to the Presentation Panthers Tuesday, Gilroy High’s varsity girls softball team put the screws to the Valley Christian Warriors Thursday, winning in impressive fashion, 8-0.
The victory was another example of the Mustangs’ (7-1) ability to light up the base paths on offense and keep runners off of them on defense.
“They did a good job,” Gilroy coach Catherine Hallada said. “They got their heads on straight and played a tough game, and with intensity, like I said they needed to do.”
Freshman Sarah Lira got the win against the Warriors with Ashley Harrington coming on in relief in the last inning to preserve the shutout.
“[Lira] did a great job and she’s been very consistent for us, and that’s we need,” Hallada said.
Lira, who also had two hits – including a home run – against Valley Christian, has been phenomenal so far in her first season of high school ball, and only has room to grow, according to her coach.
“It’s one of those situations where we hope she improves every year,” Hallada said. “Because if she’s this good right now, and she continues to improve, she’ll be incredible by her senior year.”
Stephanie Rodriguez had two hits in two at-bats for the Mustangs Thursday, while Angelica Galindo was 2-for-3 with two RBI and Lauryn Chris was 2-for-4 with a RBI and stolen base. Diana Carter and Alissa Castro both scored two runs.
While the Mustangs have gotten off to a great start to begin the season, their coach still sees plenty of room for improvement.
“I think they are performing as well as I have hoped,” Hallada said. “I think we still have a lot more potential. I still see us making physical and mental errors in games when we’re winning. I think we have the potential to be even better.”
If Gilroy does continue to make strides over the course of the season, the team could become a challenger to Tri-County Athletic League favorite San Benito.
“I think we’re at a good level right now and we can be even better,” Hallada said. “If we’re at that point (by the end of the season), we’re going to be posing a challenge to Hollister, as well as all the other TCAL schools.”
Gilroy will be playing in its second tournament of the season starting today at the Circle of Champions tournament being held at the Salinas Sports Complex. The Mustangs will play Monterey at 3 p.m. followed by a 5 p.m. contest against Harbor. Gilroy will then play Westmont Saturday at 7 p.m. before resuming tournament play the following weekend.
