Warriors Earn First Win Under Coach Wallace, Split DH with Hope

Warriors Earn First Win Under Coach Wallace, Split DH with Hope
January 29, 2024
By Francisco Claudio
 
The long-awaited start to the Spring Season is finally here and the Westcliff Softball team was eager to get on the field under the leadership of new head coach Brandon Wallace.
 
On Saturday the Warriors visited No. 19 Hope International for a doubleheader at Amerige Park.
 
In the first game, the Warriors fell 7-0 but they responded well in the second and got the only run to win it, 1-0.
 
The Warriors' first game was about adjusting to playing against an opponent and calming the nerves and jitters of the season opener.
 
They were only able to get three hits in compared to 10 by Hope. Lauren Coppla, Kassandra Ramos, and Iyari Ramirez each went (1-for-3).
 
Alex Corrales pitched four innings and allowed five hits and four runs. Etta Van Burgsteden pitched two innings and allowed five hits and three runs.
 
In the second game, the Warriors were able to relax and enjoy themselves more.
 
"Getting our players' nerves under control was the difference between the first and second game," said head coach Brandon Wallace. "Our coaching staff felt once everyone was able to play loose we were confident we would be able to come up with the win and split the series."
 
It was a low-hitting game for both teams as the Warriors came up with three hits and Hope only one more with four.
 
Emily Rosas pitched the whole game for Westcliff and was able to get eight strikeouts.
 
The Warriors got the winning run in the top of the fifth inning after an error from center field allowed Airilin Ramirez to score.
 
"I felt our pitching staff did a great job today working together in the circle," Wallace said. "Our defense and our offense need to clean some things up but overall I am very proud of our players and coaching staff.
 
"I told my staff and my players that we just proved we can beat a ranked program in the country, especially only being together for a few weeks. We will build off of this win and we will keep setting our team's expectations higher and higher."
 
It's a promising start for the Warriors to split the series against the No. 19 team in the NAIA and one that will surely boost their confidence moving forward.
 
"Our team has a saying 'Make It Count,' and we will take this approach into our next game," Wallace said.
 
Up next the Warriors will play one game at home against Hawaii Pacific on February 1st at 4 PM.