SONORA — With just two games remaining in one of the wildest Valley Oak League softball seasons in recent memory, Sierra had to get a win in the foothills Wednesday to preserve a shot at calling heads or tails when and if the time comes.
Behind Gabby Hawkins’ sterling four-hit performance, the Timberwolves got their win, 9-1.
Hawkins struck out six and went 3 for 4 at the dish with three RBIs.
“We’re starting to put the ball where they aren’t,” Sierra skipper Nick Olmo said. “We’re getting the clutch hits and that’s nice to see at this point in the season.”
Marissa Vallejos came through with a two-run knock, and Emily Silvia batted another home on a 3-for-3 clip.
Monica Morado was 2 for 4.
Sierra broke it open with four in the second and added four more in the fourth.
The Timberwolves (10-3 VOL, 17-6-2) close the regular season against Weston Ranch at home Friday.
Kourtni McCall went six, striking out four and enjoyed flawless defense from her teammates.
“We played well — good, solid defense,” EU head coach Brian Goulart said. “Rochelle Sellers had two great plays at third. She plays such good defense, it’s amazing.”
Ally Palluck closed out the seventh.
Cheri DeJesus led the way at the dish, going 3 for 3 with two doubles and three RBIs, and Tailor Brown continued her recent tear, going 2 for 3.
Jillian Goulart and birthday girl Brittany LaMar both went 2 for 4 and Alicia Cook was 2 for 3.
“We knew we had to play hard, Central Valley is a team that’s trying to break through,” Goulart said. “We were able to take the big lead and make sure everyone had a chance to play.”
EU closes the regular season with Senior Night against Manteca starting at 6 p.m. at Northgate Softball Complex.
Solario lasted seven, allowing four on 10 hits.
“Trina pitched her butt off and we probably played our best defensive game of the year,” Manteca head coach Todd Hardcastle said. “We played really well, but they’re just a really good team.”
Solario worked out of a bases-loaded no-out jam in the fifth.
Chandler Rose was 2 for 3, while Solario and Danielle Roberts both went 1 for 3.
The Bulldogs took back the lead in the home half with a three-spot.
Serena Hernandez went 1 for 3 with a double.
“We played well,” Cougars head coach Melanie Berezay said. “It’s probably the best game we’ve played against a team like that. I have no complaints.”
The Cougars committed just one fielding error in support of Angelysa Washington, who went the distance, striking out four.
Katie Thomas was 2 for 3 and Mikaela Alger added a third RC knock.
Behind Gabby Hawkins’ sterling four-hit performance, the Timberwolves got their win, 9-1.
Hawkins struck out six and went 3 for 4 at the dish with three RBIs.
“We’re starting to put the ball where they aren’t,” Sierra skipper Nick Olmo said. “We’re getting the clutch hits and that’s nice to see at this point in the season.”
Marissa Vallejos came through with a two-run knock, and Emily Silvia batted another home on a 3-for-3 clip.
Monica Morado was 2 for 4.
Sierra broke it open with four in the second and added four more in the fourth.
The Timberwolves (10-3 VOL, 17-6-2) close the regular season against Weston Ranch at home Friday.
East Union 8, Central Valley 0
Knowing that the Hawks probably had the most upset potential heading down the stretch, EU wasn’t fooling around Wednesday in Ceres and the Lancers got the win they needed.Kourtni McCall went six, striking out four and enjoyed flawless defense from her teammates.
“We played well — good, solid defense,” EU head coach Brian Goulart said. “Rochelle Sellers had two great plays at third. She plays such good defense, it’s amazing.”
Ally Palluck closed out the seventh.
Cheri DeJesus led the way at the dish, going 3 for 3 with two doubles and three RBIs, and Tailor Brown continued her recent tear, going 2 for 3.
Jillian Goulart and birthday girl Brittany LaMar both went 2 for 4 and Alicia Cook was 2 for 3.
“We knew we had to play hard, Central Valley is a team that’s trying to break through,” Goulart said. “We were able to take the big lead and make sure everyone had a chance to play.”
EU closes the regular season with Senior Night against Manteca starting at 6 p.m. at Northgate Softball Complex.
Oakdale 4, Manteca 0
Trina Solario pitched perhaps her best outing of the season, but it went for naught as the playoff-hopeful Mustangs were not to be denied.Solario lasted seven, allowing four on 10 hits.
“Trina pitched her butt off and we probably played our best defensive game of the year,” Manteca head coach Todd Hardcastle said. “We played really well, but they’re just a really good team.”
Solario worked out of a bases-loaded no-out jam in the fifth.
Chandler Rose was 2 for 3, while Solario and Danielle Roberts both went 1 for 3.
Ceres 4, Weston Ranch 1
The Cougars knotted the score at one apiece in the top of the fifth when Kelena Westbrook sacrificed Michelle Lord home.The Bulldogs took back the lead in the home half with a three-spot.
Serena Hernandez went 1 for 3 with a double.
“We played well,” Cougars head coach Melanie Berezay said. “It’s probably the best game we’ve played against a team like that. I have no complaints.”
The Cougars committed just one fielding error in support of Angelysa Washington, who went the distance, striking out four.
TRANS VALLEY LEAGUE
Hughson 8, Ripon Christian 0 (Tuesday)
The Knights committed eight fielding errors, negating a strong outing from Sarah Nieweg who went the distance striking out eight.Hughson 8, Ripon Christian 0 (Tuesday)
Katie Thomas was 2 for 3 and Mikaela Alger added a third RC knock.
— Brandon Petersen
