WESTON RANCH — Sierra’s top player, Heather Scharmann, was on a college trip, but that didn’t stop the Timberwolves from pounding Weston Ranch 8-0 Wednesday in the two teams’ first Valley Oak League game back from spring break.
The game ended prematurely after five full innings because the umpires thought the requisite 10-run lead was in place to enforce the mercy rule.
Sierra ends the first half of the Valley Oak League season at 5-2, while improving to 10-3-2 overall.
“It was the kind of game I wanted to see after a long week-and-a-half long break we just had,” Sierra coach Nick Olmo said. “We got the bats going early and did a great job all around.”
Sierra pitcher Gabby Hawkins was spotted a four-run lead before throwing her first pitch. Marrissa Vallejos and Natalie Goulart each legged out triples, and Karissa Valdez (2 for 4) crushed an RBI double to highlight the first-inning rally.
Hawkins had her own triple to drive in two runs in the fourth. Christa Crain contributed an RBI, and Liz Brown, filling in for Scharmann at third base, knocked in a run as well.
Hawkins fired seven strikeouts to no walks to complete her three-hit performance from the pitcher’s circle.
“I got all my girls in, but we basically wanted to get some work in before the (Nor-Cal Classic in Tracy),” Olmo said. “We were looking to come back in from the break and handle business. We wanted to finish off the first round (of league) right and I believe we accomplished what we set out to do.”
Sierra begins the Nor-Cal Classic at 5 p.m. against Enochs today in Tracy. Weston Ranch opens the same tournament Friday against Ripon Christian at 8 a.m.
The game ended prematurely after five full innings because the umpires thought the requisite 10-run lead was in place to enforce the mercy rule.
Sierra ends the first half of the Valley Oak League season at 5-2, while improving to 10-3-2 overall.
“It was the kind of game I wanted to see after a long week-and-a-half long break we just had,” Sierra coach Nick Olmo said. “We got the bats going early and did a great job all around.”
Sierra pitcher Gabby Hawkins was spotted a four-run lead before throwing her first pitch. Marrissa Vallejos and Natalie Goulart each legged out triples, and Karissa Valdez (2 for 4) crushed an RBI double to highlight the first-inning rally.
Hawkins had her own triple to drive in two runs in the fourth. Christa Crain contributed an RBI, and Liz Brown, filling in for Scharmann at third base, knocked in a run as well.
Hawkins fired seven strikeouts to no walks to complete her three-hit performance from the pitcher’s circle.
“I got all my girls in, but we basically wanted to get some work in before the (Nor-Cal Classic in Tracy),” Olmo said. “We were looking to come back in from the break and handle business. We wanted to finish off the first round (of league) right and I believe we accomplished what we set out to do.”
Sierra begins the Nor-Cal Classic at 5 p.m. against Enochs today in Tracy. Weston Ranch opens the same tournament Friday against Ripon Christian at 8 a.m.
— Jonamar Jacinto
