By: SID Chase Dodge
Westcliff played their last 2 games of their 4 game series on Sunday against Benedictine. The Warriors came out of the gate in game 1 taking a 2-0 lead in the early Innings. Westcliff held firm on the defensive side against the Redhawks. Westcliff take game 1 4-1. Game 2 of the double header had more drama added to it. Westcliff again wanted to get out early on the board scored 3 runs in the top of the 1st. However in the bottom of the 4th the Redhawks saw momentum at the plate. Benedictine took advantage for the lead 6-4 heading into the 5th Inning. Warriors in the top of the 5th saw Designated Hitter Gabby Clippinger go yard in Westcliff's first Home Run in the program. Clippinger's Home Run tied the game for the Warriors. Warriors feeling that energy from the Home Run continued to dish out hits for a 8-6 lead. Westcliff take Game 2 12-7.
The most impressive display from this 4 game series was from Westcliff's starting pitcher Nina Hendriks. In her 4 games she recorded 3 wins and 1 save against the Redhawks. Only allowing 2 runs in a total of 14 Innings pitched. Westcliff come back from Arizona placed 2nd in the Cal Pac Standings with a 5-1 record in conference.
Top Performers (Game 1)
Natalie Ziegler: 3-4, 2B, SB and 1 RBI
Becky Ramos: 2-4, 1 RBI
Nina Hendriks: (W, 4-3), 5 Hits, 1 Run, 7 Strikeouts
Mykala Tokunaga: (Sv, 1), 2 Hits and 1 Strikeout
Top Performers (Game 2)
Natalie Ziegler: 2-3
Gabby Clippinger: 1-3, 2 RBI, HR
Nina Hendriks: (W, 5-3), 3 Hits, 1 Run and 4 Strikeouts
Desarae Moreno: 2-4, 3 RBIs
Lili Belton: 2-4, 1 RBI
Mackenzie Melzer: 3 Stolen Bases
Coaches' Notes
"This was a great weekend for the team. Everyone came out strong and ready to play. The team was quick to make the necessary adjustments throughout the game. This weekend sweep was a team effort, it truly took everyone playing their part and the team coming together to make these wins happen. Nina did a great job this weekend dominating the batters and getting an numerous number of strikeouts. Gabby came in clutch when we were down in the second game to tie it back up. I knew Gabby was due for a big hit soon. The way she's swinging the bat in warm up she was ready to break it open and earn school history first homerun.
This is definitely a huge win for the team coming off our last game, we want to keep this momentum going and take it into our next game with Chapman, March 17."
