The boys’ baseball team traveled to Modesto on March 6-8 to defend their Modesto Tournament title. After coasting through the opening two rounds of the tournament, the boys’ lost 6-5 in the last inning of the championship game to Ripon High.

Ripon, ranked No. 9 in Div. 4, was down three runs in the seventh inning but the relief pitching could not hold the lead. However, coach Jon Hall felt that the game was a solid first half test for the Eagles.

“They were a great team for us to measure our abilities against,” Hall said. “They provided us an excellent preseason challenge before we begin league play.”

While the Eagles suffered defeat, many players found a bright spot in the disappointing loss.

“I was pleased with our performance,” Jon Steele, ’03, said. “We showed that we’re able to compete at a high level with any team and this was a positive influence as we head into league.”

The Eagles opened league with a 3-2 victory over the Fowler Redcats on March 13. Brian Casey, ’03, won the game on an RBI single in the top of the 10th.

“I’m pleased with our solid start in league play,” Casey said, “and that my hit won the game for us. However, we still have a long ways to go to reach our ultimate goal of a Valley Championship so it’s important to stay focused.”

Last year the Eagles lost to Immanuel 3-0 in the Valley Championship game and motivation to avenge that loss is a driving force for the team.

“Our loss to Immanuel was devastating,” Seth Fisher, ’04, said. “We lose to them in every sport and our team, along with the entire school, has an intense desire to beat them.”

The boys’ will continue their quest for a Valley Championship on March 19 when they host Caruthers at 3:45 p.m and travel to Immanuel on March 21 for a 4 p.m. start.