Hornets advance to first round
CALIPATRIA — The Calipatria High softball team used two multiple-run innings to fuel its 9-0 shutout victory over Classical Academy in a CIF-San Diego Section Div. IV play-in game here late Tuesday afternoon.
With the victory, the Hornets advance to the double-elimination tourney set to begin with the first round on Thursday afternoon.
Calipatria went into the contest as the No. 7 seed, while the visiting Caimans came in at No. 10.
The teams appeared to be a good match through the first few innings of the game until the Calipatria bats connected for a four-run third inning and later a five-run fifth inning.
The Hornets were fueled by Ezrianna Ruiz in the inning. She reached first on an error and, with heads-up base running, soon found herself on third base.
Ruiz came in to score on an RBI single from Desiree Romero, while Sadie Chavez doubled to keep the inning going.
Nicole Zendejas also doubled to bring around Chavez, and then Lily Yanez doubled to make it 4-0.
In addition to the team’s opportune hitting the Hornets were also solid defensively, turning two double plays, while right fielder Elizza Velasco helped seal the game with a two-out, shoe-string catch in the bottom of the seventh.
“It definitely helped me play better, knowing I had them behind me,” said the Hornets’ Jackie Vega.
The junior pitcher had four strikeouts in the game, including one that came in the fourth inning with the bases loaded to end the threat.
“I knew if they got a hit off me, my team would be able to back me up, and that gave me confidence,” Vega said.
This year’s Hornet team is primarily fueled by juniors, who advanced to the semis two years ago, yet went two-and-out last season.
“Hopefully we come out strong on Thursday and continue getting better from there,” Vega said. “We’re ready for whatever comes next.”
The Hornets will travel on Thursday to face No. 2 seeded San Diego High.