Norco finally back in action, routs Corona to open league
Coming off a big tournament victory, Norco softball coach Rick Robinson wanted nothing more than to get his team back onto the diamond and keep the momentum rolling.
Mother Nature had a different plan, however.
Norco had its first four Big VIII League games postponed because of the recent rainstorms. The Cougars finally returned to action Friday afternoon following a 12-day layoff between games.
Mya Perez, Maddy Aguilera and Kynarra Vuki all homered, as Norco racked up 18 hits and cruised to a 19-0 victory over Corona in its Big VIII League opener and first game at home this season.
Norco brought home the trophy from the Dave Kops
NORCO >>
Tournament of Champions in Bullhead City, Arizona, earlier this month. The Cougars (12-0) will play in the equally prestigious Michelle Carew Classic next week.
The rainouts have been frustrating, but Norco has two more games — against Santiago today and King on Tuesday — to get prepared for the tough challenge ahead in the Michelle Carew Classic.
“We were in a pretty good rhythm (after winning the Tournament of Champions), so it kind of sucked having to wait this long to play again,” Perez said. “I don’t think we’ve lost anything though. We have been working at practice and just staying ready to compete.”
Perez certainly showed no rust Friday afternoon, as she launched the 36th home run of her career, a solo shot to left field to give Norco a lead in the first inning. She was intentionally walked her next two trips to the plate. Perez also started in the circle, tossed two innings and struck out five of the seven batters she faced.
Norco sent 16 batters to the plate and scored 11 runs in the second inning. Aguilera delivered the loudest hit, a towering three-run home run over the wall in left field. Dakota Potter knocked in two runs during the inning, one apiece on a pair of singles.
All 20 players on Norco’s roster had at least one plate appearance Friday, as Robinson began substituting in the second inning. Twelve players collected a hit in the game, while 11 players knocked in at least one run. Vuki tripled in the fourth inning and homered in the fifth.
Kimberly Neal, who was the winning pitcher in the championship game in Bullhead City, pitched the final five innings of the game to pick up the win. Neal allowed only one baserunner — a walk in the seventh inning — and finished with six strikeouts.
Norco will be looking to pull off the Tournament of Champions-michelle Carew Classic double championship for the fourth time in program history. The Cougars won both tournaments in 2009, 2017 and 2019.
“I think getting these league games in the next few days will help keep us sharp,” senior third baseman Alyssa Hovermale said. “We’re working together as a team to make sure we’re in the right place.”