MODESTO — East Union softball coach Brian Goulart used three syllables to describe Kourtni McCall’s first varsity start as a pitcher.
“Dom-in-nation,” Goulart said slowly for effect.
McCall picked up where four-time Bulletin All-Area MVP Erin Arevalo left off Wednesday in the Lancers’ 2-0 season-opening victory over Waterford in the Ceres Bulldog Classic at Rainbow Fields.
McCall looked sharp to say the least, striking out 15 to no walks in her two-hit gem.
“I was actually a little nervous,” Goulart said. “I had Erin the last four years, but Kourtni was great. She was very, very impressive. We’re pretty excited.”
What started out as a tight game through five was decided in the bottom of the sixth. Jillian Goulart led off with a single to left, and Cherie DeJesus followed with a walk.
The base runners advanced on a double steal, and both were driven home by Brittany LaMar’s hit to left-center field.
East Union (1-0) was scheduled to play Buhach Colony Wednesday, but that game was rained out and will not be made up. Up next is Grace Davis of Modesto Saturday at 1:15 p.m.
In Modesto, Trina Solario pitched five innings of six-hit ball, allowing two earned runs in the season-opening loss.
Mariah Navarro, a sophomore call-up, closed it out.
Chelsea Cargill went 2 for 3 and scored the Buffaloes’ lone run on a Solario single in the third.
Chelsea Lee went 1 for 2 with a walk, and Kayla Campbell went 1 for 3 with a base on balls.
“We haven’t been able to see the field for a week, and you could see that we were rusty,” Manteca head coach Todd Hardcastle said. “We had a few metal mistakes, a dropped fly ball, and another got behind us in the outfield.”
Manteca (0-1) heads to West High Wednesday.
After three rainouts to start the season, the sophomore-laden Indians were anxious to get to work.
Kendra Contente (3 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 2 K), and Kirsten Mortimer (2 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 6 K) combined on a one-hitter.
Mortimer struck out the sides in the third and fourth.
Offensively, the big knock came off the bat of Alyssa Vickers, who drove in both Chelsea Higgins and Paulina Ceja with a double in the third.
Rachel Rodriguez knocked home Mortimer (2B) with a double off the left-field wall in the second.
“We’re young, we have two seniors in Cynthia Nunes and Chelsea Higgins,” Ripon head coach Robert Vernon said. “Tomorrow is going to be a good test for us.”
Ripon takes on 2008 section runner-up and tournament host Linden starting at 8 p.m.
“Dom-in-nation,” Goulart said slowly for effect.
McCall picked up where four-time Bulletin All-Area MVP Erin Arevalo left off Wednesday in the Lancers’ 2-0 season-opening victory over Waterford in the Ceres Bulldog Classic at Rainbow Fields.
McCall looked sharp to say the least, striking out 15 to no walks in her two-hit gem.
“I was actually a little nervous,” Goulart said. “I had Erin the last four years, but Kourtni was great. She was very, very impressive. We’re pretty excited.”
What started out as a tight game through five was decided in the bottom of the sixth. Jillian Goulart led off with a single to left, and Cherie DeJesus followed with a walk.
The base runners advanced on a double steal, and both were driven home by Brittany LaMar’s hit to left-center field.
East Union (1-0) was scheduled to play Buhach Colony Wednesday, but that game was rained out and will not be made up. Up next is Grace Davis of Modesto Saturday at 1:15 p.m.
Downey 5, Manteca 1
In Modesto, Trina Solario pitched five innings of six-hit ball, allowing two earned runs in the season-opening loss.
Mariah Navarro, a sophomore call-up, closed it out.
Chelsea Cargill went 2 for 3 and scored the Buffaloes’ lone run on a Solario single in the third.
Chelsea Lee went 1 for 2 with a walk, and Kayla Campbell went 1 for 3 with a base on balls.
“We haven’t been able to see the field for a week, and you could see that we were rusty,” Manteca head coach Todd Hardcastle said. “We had a few metal mistakes, a dropped fly ball, and another got behind us in the outfield.”
Manteca (0-1) heads to West High Wednesday.
Linden Tournament
Ripon 4, Franklin 1
Ripon 4, Franklin 1
After three rainouts to start the season, the sophomore-laden Indians were anxious to get to work.
Kendra Contente (3 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 2 K), and Kirsten Mortimer (2 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 6 K) combined on a one-hitter.
Mortimer struck out the sides in the third and fourth.
Offensively, the big knock came off the bat of Alyssa Vickers, who drove in both Chelsea Higgins and Paulina Ceja with a double in the third.
Rachel Rodriguez knocked home Mortimer (2B) with a double off the left-field wall in the second.
“We’re young, we have two seniors in Cynthia Nunes and Chelsea Higgins,” Ripon head coach Robert Vernon said. “Tomorrow is going to be a good test for us.”
Ripon takes on 2008 section runner-up and tournament host Linden starting at 8 p.m.
— Bulletin Staff
