Calexico holds on for win
While the Calexico High softball team may have lost its star pitcher to graduation, this year’s team returns a number of offensive and defensive powers making the Bulldogs Imperial Valley League contenders once again.
On Tuesday night, Calexico opened IVL play on the road traveling to face a young and eager squad in Southwest High.
The Bulldogs used three innings of clutch offense to win the game 7-4, while the defense held off the Eagles in the bottom of the seventh inning, ending Southwest’s rally and the game with a 4-6-3 double play.
“We knew coming in that we were going to face a prepared team because of Coach Steph (Niebla),” said first-year Bulldog head coach Jerry Niebla. “We had to make sure to play our best game since it’s the first game of IVL. I think the girls came out relaxed and played well.”
Sophomore hurler Estefania Caballero started the game for Calexico throwing 5 1/3 innings, while junior Jessie Hernandez came in to relieve and secure the win.
Niebla credited the two pitchers with keep Calexico in the game, stating the pair have put in plenty of work in the off season to prepare for this season.
“Because of Kasey (Cazares) they didn’t get a lot of action the past couple years, so it’s huge what they’ve been able to do,” said Niebla, referring to Calexico’s four-year starting pitcher, who graduated last season after guiding the Bulldogs to a CIF-San Diego Section Div. II title.
Also playing key roles on last year’s team and on Tuesday night, where Nat Lopez, Danielle Burgos, Michelle Roldan and Nicole Moran.
The four starting infielders made key plays defensively, with Lopez driving in a pair of runs in the top of the seventh inning to help Calexico jump to a 7-4 lead.
“We knew we’d be able to score some runs, so we just tell the pitchers to keep us in the game and let the defense do its work,” Niebla said. “This team has a lot of experience and they do a great job of keeping the pitchers calm.”
With the win, Calexico improves to 3-1-1, while Southwest falls to 1-3.
The Bulldogs return to action on Thursday traveling to compete in the Hilltop Tourney, while Southwest plays at 6:30 p.m. on Friday at Brawley Union High.