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 1-3 overall and 0-0 in the West Sequoia League as of March 11. The Eagles will next play against Sierra High Chieftains, Mar. 13.

FRESNO HIGH BEATS FC, 8-5
The Eagles hosted the Fresno High Warriors in their fourth non-league game of the season, Mar. 11. Fresno High led off the first inning with two runs, which the Eagles were unable to answer, and then both teams scored a run during the second inning.

The third inning produced only one run for the Warriors, making the game 3-1 until the fourth inning when they scored two runs and FC answered with four. The fifth through seventh innings remained scoreless for the Eagles, although the visiting team was able to earn two more runs. Despite the Eagles’ efforts, they were defeated by Fresno High, 8-5.

Athletic director Mick Fuller has been able to make it out to a few of the softball games this season, and he has been encouraged with the progress he has seen, especially in the game against Fresno High.

“I think the softball team is improving each practice and each game,” Fuller said. “In the home game on Monday, the girls showed immense improvement from previous games. They made plays defensively and offensively that they had not be able to make earlier in the season.”

However, Fuller does know that there are always things to work on as an athlete and as a team. He his hopeful, though, that the team will be able to fill in the gaps before conference games start for the Eagles.

“The team still has room for improvement in a few areas,” Fuller said. “They would benefit from increasing the intensity level and upping the game tempo. If they can limit defensive errors and improve offensive efficiency they will be ready for league play in a couple of weeks.”

Assistant coach Lisa Mejia was satisfied with the team’s effort towards the end of the game, but she thinks that the Eagle’s start left a little to be desired.

“Monday game we had a slow start and decided to pick it up in the third inning,” Mejia said. “Pitching was the best this game. We need to start off the way we ended. Hitting is what we need today, swinging the bat without the fear of missing the ball.”

The Eagles will next travel to play against the Sierra Chieftains, March 13, 3:30 p.m.

This writer can be reached via Twitter: @JennaWeimer42.

For more information, see the Mar. 11 article, Softball sport shorts: Orosi.