STOCKTON — If patience is a virtue, the Sierra softball team is about as virtuous as it gets.
The visiting Timberwolves drew 12 walks and were hit six times while batting in a 14-0 five-inning mercy rule win over Weston Ranch to start the Valley Oak League campaign on Tuesday.
“I told the kids that it doesn’t matter who you play that you just need to bring your ‘A’ game,” Sierra coach Vic DeAnda said. “And today I think we played a little sluggish and that is something we have to work on.
“I just don’t think we played the game like we should be so we will work on some things.”
The Timberwolves (1-0 VOL, 3-0) had just six hits, but leadoff batter Devi Coglio did her job. The senior captain walked four times and was hit by a pitch.
“My goal every game is just to get on base,” Coglio said, “because usually if I get on base I end up scoring.”
Sierra sophomore pitcher Lindsey Walljapser gave up an infield hit to Elysia Hernandez, the first batter for the Cougars (0-1, 0-5). After that, Walljasper was masterful, striking out 11 with only one more Weston Ranch batter reaching base, and that was on a dropped strike three. Walljasper went 2 for 4 with four runs and had an RBI.
The Timberwolves outfield could have had the day off as Weston Ranch did not get a ball out of the infield.
“I try contributing as much as I can to cut down on how hard the team has to work.” Walljasper said. “And I am really thankful for the defense that is behind me.”
Jennifer Anderson came off of the bench for Sierra at reached in both of her at-bats. After scoring as a pinch runner, Anderson doubled and scored and then walked.
“Even if I don’t get to play a lot,” Anderson said. “I still have to come out and do my best for the team and contribute when I can.”