Softball struggles continue during four-game slide
Rene Gomez
Lady T-Birds softball lost a doubleheader against the Phoenix Bears squad on March 22.
In game one, Mesa lost 8-2 and was down early as Phoenix scored six runs in the first three innings.
Freshman outfielder Bridget Kruck went two for four and scored one run and freshman shortstop Kendra Whalen went one for four with one RBI.
Freshman pitcher Samantha Christensen pitched all seven innings, but allowed eight runs (three earned) off of nine hits and walked four batters.
Mesa’s four errors factored into Phoenix’s five runs and the Lady T-Birds were not able to take advantage of the five errors the Bears committed.
“I think we all pretty much want this, we don’t give up, there’s not one day we don’t step on the field wanting it so I think we’re doing a pretty good job,” freshman catcher Mishell Quinonez said.
In game two, Mesa was shut out and could only manage six base runners total.
The pitching combination of freshman Shinya Henry and sophomore Kelley Pugh combined for 11 runs allowed (nine earned), off of 12 hits in their six innings of work.
“I think we have the talent and the skills it’s just we all have to come together,” sophomore utility player Kyleigh Hanson said.
On March 25 the Lady T-Birds were unable to get back on the winning track with a Paradise Valley team that completed a two game sweep (9-1 and 8-3).
Whalen and freshman infielder Mariah Gonzales both went two for three and Gonzales drove in the only run for Mesa.
Christensen allowed nine runs (eight earned), off of 11 hits in her 5.1 innings pitched.
In game two sophomore Jessica Jarvis was a bright spot in the lineup going two for four at lead off and scored two runs.
Sophomore pitcher/infielder Demetria Boltarez went two for three and scored a run as well.
Mesa’s record overall is 9-21 with a conference record of 7-17, but the second half of the season provides more home games and the hope from coaches and players that the wins can come their way.
“We do have a very good hitting team and a good defensive team, but that has become a challenge; how to overcome giving up so many runs and hits,” head coach Wayne Hill said.
The next home series is scheduled for noon on April 5 against Eastern Arizona.
