Gilroy
– Over the weekend, the Gilroy softball team went 2-1 to reach
the semifinals of the Steinbeck Classic in Salinas.
Gilroy – Over the weekend, the Gilroy softball team went 2-1 to reach the semifinals of the Steinbeck Classic in Salinas.
With head coach Julie Berggren serving a one-game suspension Friday for being tossed out of Thursday’s game against Live Oak for arguing a call at home plate, the Mustangs peppered Soquel with 11 hits which eventually led to an 8-1 win.
Berggren, who watched the game from her car in the parking lot, said it’s good to see her team hitting the ball.
“We’re really starting to come together as a team and hit the ball,” Berggren said. “We’re having a good time.”
The top of the Gilroy (11-8) lineup, which this weekend was senior Kayla Aldridge, freshman Kylie Herrada and sophomore Patty Olvera, were particularly effective.
“When your one, two and three batters are getting hits, it’s easier,” Berggren said.
Against Soquel, the ‘Stangs scored one run in the first inning and three in the fifth. But Gilroy’s biggest inning was the seventh, when it scored four runs.
With one out in the seventh inning, lead-off hitter Aldridge singled, then moved to second on a past ball. Herrada also followed with a single, which put runners on the corners for GHS. Herrada then stole second before Olvera (single) drove in Aldridge to make it 5-1 Gilroy.
With two outs, sophomore outfielder Russhelle Preeshl hit a two-RBI single, which scored Herrada and Olvera. Herrada herself then scored later on a passed ball.
In the second inning, sophomore catcher Dana Schoeneman, who filled in for Brittany Balanesi – who had a family engagement on Saturday – belted a triple down the left field line in the second inning.
Sarah Villar struck out seven en route to the win.
With Berggren back in the dugout Saturday, the ‘Stangs, once again behind Villar on the mound, beat Santa Catalina for the second time this season, 5-1. In the third inning, sophomore Yolanda Esquivel hammered a solo home run, the first of her varsity career, over the right field fence. Sophomore Erin Magill added an RBI triple in that game. Villar (9-8) pitched another solid game, striking out 10.
In the semifinal, Gilroy lost to top-ranked Notre Dame, which went on to beat North Salinas 1-0 for the tournament title. Spirits’ ace Kim Reeder shut out the ‘Stangs for the second time this season.
GHS next plays at Salinas on Wednesday at 4pm.
