Posted: Mar 05, 2024
By Francisco Claudio
When Brandon Wallace took over as head coach of the softball program, he knew that patience would be key, particularly in the initial stages.
Wallace's passion for the sport and his competitive nature were evident as the start of the 2024 season didn't quite go the Warriors' way.
But it was only a matter of time before they'd hit their groove and start to play like one of the top Cal Pac teams.
On Sunday, Westcliff took care of business and won the second doubleheader against La Sierra, 5-1 and 2-1.
The Warriors swept the Eagles and improved to 4-0 in the Cal Pac standings.
Coach Wallace achieved his first conference sweep as a Warrior and the team continues to move in the right direction.
"We wanted to make a statement with the conference opening up," Wallace said. "I am proud of our players and coaching staff.
"It was a team effort in our success in sweeping the series."
In Game 1, the Warriors scored four runs in the bottom of the 2nd.
It began with a single to right field by Jessalyn Villicana which brought in two runners to score.
Lauren Coppla stepped up to the plate and hit a single as well which brought in two more runners to put Westcliff up 4-0.
In the bottom of the 5th, Kassandra Ramos doubled to left center which brought in one RBI.
The score was 5-0.
La Sierra scored one run on their last up to bat as Westcliff would take the opener.
Starting pitcher Emily Rosas continued her domination of the series with seven strikeouts and only allowed eight hits.
Game 2 went down to the wire because, after seven innings, both teams remained all tied up.
So the teams went to extra innings in order to decide the victor of the second game of the day.
Westcliff's defense performed exceptionally well in extra innings, thanks to another outstanding outing by Rosas on the mound.
They got the three outs needed and now it was time for the Warriors to take a turn at ending it in extra innings.
Well, Brittney Slocum stepped up to the plate and hit a double down the left line which brought in Abigail Rainwater who was waiting on second.
All was good on this day as the Warriors got the sweep, remained undefeated in the conference standings, and had another outstanding performance by their starting pitcher Rosas.
"I told the team to stop pressing and that great teams find ways to come back," Wallace said after the victory. "They trusted the process and found a way to win.
"We had many players that stepped up this weekend and it truly was a team effort but Emily Rosas locked it down in the circle, Iyari Rameriz was great behind the plate for us, and Brittney Slocum was huge offensively for us in this series."
But the work doesn't stop and Wallace is already thinking ahead of what needs to be addressed if the Warriors want to continue winning.
"We will need to make some adjustments with our pitching staff going into our next series but overall we will be ready to go," Wallace said.
Up next, Westcliff will play their series against USK this coming week.
The first doubleheader will be on Friday at the Great Park.
