May 4, 2023
Warriors Advance, Lewis & Hendricks Lead the Way
Westcliff
30-18, 19-9
7
Park- Gilbert
34-13, 22-6
0
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Westcliff
|
3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 10 | 0 |
|
Park- Gilbert
|
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 |
By Francisco Claudio
Westcliff's softball team started their playoff journey on Wednesday in the quarterfinal of the Cal Pac Softball Championships.
The Warriors faced off against Park-Gilbert and looked dominant from the first inning as they took the game 7-0.
The vibes and energy were positive even during pregame for the Warriors as they looked solid and comfortable in the higher altitude of Prescott, Arizona,
"They looked good, very confident," said assistant coach Zack Sorondo. "The elevation can be a factor because we're higher up and the balls are going to travel.
"The field might take a little getting used to because it's a little soft and the balls will move a little differently."
But the Warriors didn't let the windy conditions or higher altitude become factors as they looked comfortable from the start.
Airilin Ramirez started it off with a double to left field.
After a couple of mistakes from the pitcher and shortstop, the Warriors found themselves in a favorable position with bases loaded.
Next to bat for Westcliff would be Cal Pac Player of the Year Diamond Lewis who showed once again why she earned that honor.
Lewis singled to shortstop which would bring in the runner on third to score for the Warriors, giving them the lead.
Still with bases loaded, Siana San Vicente was able to get a hit and reach first on a fielder's choice and then advanced to second base.
Lewis and Evette Mendoza were able to score after an error from the shortstop.
After the first inning, the Warriors had a firm grip on the game up, 3-0.
Westcliff would go on to score another run in the second and three more in the top of the seventh.
On the defensive end, Westcliff's star pitcher Nina Hendricks was lights out from the mound.
Hendricks pitched all seven innings and recorded six strikeouts while allowing only four hits and zero runs.
Hendricks was completely dominant from the mound coming up clutch during key moments throughout the game.
"I think out of our leaders, all of them have been at the Cal Pac Tournament before," said Head Coach Vanessa Kellems. "Diamond, Nina, Lauren, and Liv have all been here before so this is nothing new for them.
"They have that extra maturity where they know what it takes and they know how to bring the team together and find success."
With the win, the Warriors advance to the semifinals and will face off against Embry-Riddle on Thursday, May 4, at 10 AM.
During the regular season, the Warriors played Embry-Riddle four times and split the series 2-2.