GIRLS’ SOFTBALL SPORT SHORTS, 2012-13–
(Scrimmages do not count toward win/loss record. Visit the Sports Section for girls’ softball features. For a simple overview of scores and upcoming games, check the Spring sport box scores, 2013 for dates, opponents and times for all Eagle sports.)

Be sure to visit the 2012-13 girls’ softball schedule, home page, or check out Maxpreps.com. The Eagles are currently 1-1 overall and 0-0 in the West Sequoia League as of March 1. The Eagles will next play against Orosi Cardinals, Mar. 5.

FC TRIUMPHS OVER MENDOTA, 9-8
The Eagles hosted the Mendota Lady Aztecs in their second non-league game of the 2012-2013 season, Mar. 1. The two teams scored back and forth through the whole game. The Aztecs led off the first inning with one run, but the Eagles were unable to put anything on the scoreboard until the second inning, where a two run effort gave them the 2-1 lead.

The Lady Aztecs managed to add six more runs in the following five innings, and the Eagles answered. Although second baseman Emily Gonzalez had the only solid hit for FC, the Eagles managed to score through a combination of walks and hit players.

The game was called after the top of the seventh inning, as Mendota was unable to pull ahead of the home team. In the end the Eagles emerged victorious, earning their first win and tying their overall record 1-1.

Returning varsity outfielder Taylor Neufeld was excited for the team’s first victory and she hopes that it is just the beginning to a great season for the Eagles.

“I thought the game was an awesome start to our season,” Neufeld said. “Our offense has improved a lot since last year, and I’m really proud of the way we batted and our aggressiveness on the bases.”

Although Eagle offense was enough to win the game, Neufeld noticed that the defense had a little trouble stopping the ball when it was hit. However, she was encouraged by the victory over the Lady Aztecs, whom the Eagles fell to in the first round of playoffs for the 2011-12 season.

“Our defense needs to be worked on because we missed some hits that could have been stopped if we just got dirty and slid,” Neufeld said. “I’m hoping for a win on Wednesday, though, because we proved that we could win against the team we lost to last year in the playoffs.”

Assistant coach Lisa Mejia was pleased with the result of the game and looks forward to this season. She knows that the main thing the team needs to improve is game experience, which will be provided in the non-league games scheduled for the Eagles.

“The game was great, an awesome start to a great season,” Mejia said. “We need more playing time as a team and preseason will do that for us.”

Mejia was satisfied with the Eagles’ pitching but as always, there are improvements to be made. She is excited about the group of girls who are out for softball this year, anticipates daily improvement for each of the players and believes that the team will give this next game their all.

“Our pitching was good but we can always improve and grow on everything daily,” Mejia said. “Wednesday I expect us to play our hearts out and win. We have a great group of girls who get better and better each day.”

FC will play next at home against the Orosi Cardinals at 3:30 p.m., Mar. 5.

For more information, see the Mar. article, Softball sport shorts: Immanuel.