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 2-8 overall and 0-2 in the West Sequoia League as of April 11. The Eagles will next play against the Caruthers Blue Raiders, April 16.

FC FALLS TO FOWLER, 13-2

The Eagles hosted the Fowler Redcats in their second league game of the season, April 11. The Redcats scored four runs in the first inning, answered by only one from the Eagles. The second inning remained scoreless for both teams, and although Fowler was unable to score in the third inning also, FC earned one run. Neither team was able to score in the fourth inning, holding the score at 4-2.

The fifth inning produced two scores for the Redcats, but the home team was unable to drive in any runs. In the sixth and final inning, Fowler earned seven runs. Despite the Eagles’ efforts to make a comeback to the Redcats’ 11-run lead, Fowler’s defense prevented them from scoring any runs in the final inning, and the Eagles were defeated 13-2.

Head Coach Jeff Regan appreciated the players’ efforts to keep their cool, even when the game was not going as well as they had hoped. He believes that although the girls still need to learn how to believe in themselves and their potential they are beginning to look a little more relaxed at the plate and in the field, a result of game experience that they did not have before.

“The players did a good job of staying composed,” Regan said. “Players looked more comfortable on offense and defense, but players still need to work on believing in their abilities, that they are able to execute.”

Despite the disappointing loss, Regan and the other coaches were pleased with the girls’ efforts and unwillingness to accept defeat until the umpire called the game. He was excited to see that all of the coaches’ teaching and advice started to click in the girls’ minds, and he is looking forward to the rest of the season now that he has seen a new level of mental capability from the Eagles.

“The coaches liked what they saw,” Regan said. “Our players played hard, never gave up and left if all on the field. They showed an understanding of what coaches are teaching them and a level of confidence we hadn’t seen before. Overall good job!”

First-baseman Juliana Rosik, ’16, was glad to see a new-found confidence from the team at the plate and in the field. Although she noticed that the team still needs to work on hitting a little bit, Rosik was pleased with the team’s defensive effort.

“We were aggressive at the plate and gave it our all in the field,” Rosik said. “We held the other team pretty well, but I think we should work a little on our batting. We need to have more confidence and maybe better timing when we hit.”

Rosik enjoyed the results of the girls’ hard work and ability to relax and have fun, even though they did not win this game. She believes that their performance was improved by a different focus and objective: to just have fun and give it their all. Because Fowler is a tougher team, the girls went into the game with no expectations, and although they did not win, Rosik thought it was one of their best games so far.

“It was fun to do well against a good team, and it gave our team the boost we needed,” Rosik said. “Our mindset was different. We went into the game focused and ready to play.”

This writer can be reached on Twitter at @JennaWeimer42.

For more sports, read the April 11 article, Softball sport shorts: Parlier.