Eliana's Writing

An early lead and solid defense led the Beavers to victory over the Panthers

The softball game on April 14 saw the Beavers fight for a 2-1 victory over the Sacramento City College Panthers. 

In the bottom of the first inning, a bunt got Elizabeth Poppick on first base, followed by a line drive hit to third base by Bella Tonso, getting Poppick home for the first run of the game.  Nicole Nordman followed up with another hit, allowing Tonso to make it home for the second run. With the score 2-0 after the first inning, the Beavers focused on their defense. 

In the top of the second inning, the Panthers’ Sadie Ward hit a line drive, landing her on first base. Naomi Garcia bunted and made it to first base, while Ward was tagged out at second. Jia Beebe got a hit, landing on first and advancing Garcia to second. Alexia Alvarez struck out swinging, and Garcia was tagged out trying to steal third base. 

The bottom of the second inning showcased the Panthers’ solid pitching, with Jazlyn Basquez, Addison Susag and Mady Schultze all striking out. 

The top of the third inning was over in a flash with players popping up, grounding out, and lining out. 

The bottom of the third was mostly the same with the Beavers only making it as far as first base. 

The top of the fourth inning was over quickly with a display of Beavers defense, with a strikeout and quick plays keeping Julianna McClain from stealing third base. 

The bottom of the fourth saw more offense from the Beavers, a hit up the middle from Lindsay Parades landed her on first base, but was left on base at the end of the inning. 

The Panthers offense started to kick into gear in the top of the fifth inning, with hits and one walk ultimately leaving two LOB by the end of the inning. 

The bottom of the fifth inning saw the Beavers batting aggressively, but unable to make it on the bases again. Fly balls and ground outs ended the inning quickly. 

In the top of the sixth inning, the Panthers nearly closed the gap. A hit from McClain got her on first, then Soly Morin was put in as a pinch runner. Larissa Banks doubled, allowing Morin to score. Banks stole third base on a passed ball, but didn’t have a chance to tie the game as Garcia grounded out, ending the inning. 

With the score 2-1, the Beavers fought to keep their lead until the bitter end. After a quick bottom of the sixth inning with no additional runs, it was up to defense to win the game. 

In the top of the seventh, hits from Alvarez and Luevano started to load the bases, advancing to third and second on a passed ball. But fly balls from Destiny Denys and Bailey Baker left two runs on base at the end of the game, securing the win for the Beavers. 

The win was significant for the Beavers, being an important step in the road to playoffs for the Big 8 conference. 

“I think last year we had a great team who led us to Big 8,” said Kaylie Hunt after the game. “But I also believe this year we have just as good of a team to lead us to the Big 8.”

This season is Doug Menefee’s first as head coach for the Beavers, but he was previously an assistant coach at ARC for over six years before coaching UC Davis for the past four years. 

“It’s not like coming into a new home, it’s like coming into my home,” said Menefee after the game. “The support for the program, the girls and for me, it’s been pretty special.”

The team celebrated their graduating sophomores after the game, gifting them bouquets of flowers, certificates of accomplishment and enjoying tacos.