Mesa’s softball team off to a good start
Jonathon Smith
Mesa’s softball team played a double header against South Mountain on Feb 16.
Mesa looked strong in their first game, but their youth caught up to them in the second.
After jumping out to a two run lead early in the first game, Mesa loaded the bases in the bottom of the fourth.
Outfielder Sara Sandoval, then proceeded to send a double to centerfield that sent home two runs. The next batter was pitcher Tiffanee Frampton. She blasted a shot over the head of the centerfielder that was only a few feet from leaving the park.
It sent home a run, and Mesa would hold on to the lead for the win, 6-0.
Mesa came out flat in the second game though, and let South Mountain jump out to an early lead. A surge in the fourth inning by Mesa cut the lead to seven to three, but South Mountain scored the final three runs, preventing any chance for a Mesa rally.
The second game was a good learning experience for the young team that started only two sophomores. The difference in the level of competition is dramatic between high school and college, and there is a definite learning curve.
The team will only get stronger and gain valuable experience as the season progresses. As one of the team leaders, sophomore Sara Sandoval understands the importance of leadership on the young team.
“We have to hit it hard at practice and teach the freshman to keep up the intensity. We had only two sophomores on the field, and the lack of experience definitely hurt us in the second game,” said Sandoval.
Sandoval was adamant about the lack of intensity in the second game, and said it played a large role in the loss. “We took the second game too lightly. After handling the first game pretty easily, we just didn’t come out with enough fire to finish off the double header,” said Sandoval.
This is something every young team must overcome. It’s not easy to remain focused for every game, but experience teaches young players that they must do this in order to experience long-term success.
