Noah Jamani
Staff Writer
Cheering and chanting from the stands. Tension and adrenaline building up. Mira Costa Mustangs softball team gave it their all, but fell to Whittier 10-6 in their first CIF game Thursday and are now eliminated.
The Mustangs kept Whittier off the board in early innings, using skillful passing between the bases to keep the opponents from getting any scoring chances. However, as the game went on Whittier found their rhythm and kept hitting and scoring runs. The Mustangs couldn’t score, and when they did it was too late.
“I thought our team struggled to hit today, especially in the early innings,” junior batter Serena Ponciano said. “If we scored in the early innings this game would have a complete different outcome.”
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In the second inning, senior pitcher Elliott Estes escaped a bases loaded jam by striking out two Whittier batters in a row. After two innings, the Mustangs failed to get on base.
“The game was really close in the first two inning and our pitcher Elliot Estes did a terrific job helping us stay in the game,” senior Jamie Hoffman said.
Junior shortstop Morgan Ingham kept Whittier from getting on base with quick passes and tags to get runners out. Offensively, the Mustangs still struggled to get any runs.
“It was a great defensive game in the early stages,” Ponciano said. “Our pitching and fielding was great.”
In the sixth inning, Whittier’s offense erupted and scored 7 runs on Estes. In the bottom of the sixth, Ponciano doubled scoring two runs to cut the Whittier lead.
“We chased plenty of pitches today,” Ponciano said. “We have to control the at-bat and walk if we have to.”
Photos: Mira Costa vs Whittier
The final inning was another offensive explosion from both teams. Whittier scored 3 runs in the top of the seventh of off a three-run home run. Ingham hit a triple which scored three runs, and Hoffman followed with an R.B.I. single, however it was not enough and the Mustangs fell 10-6.
“Ingham and our whole offense came alive late,” Hoffman said. “Unfortunately all of our hits and runs came too late.”
Costa finished their season with a 22-8 record. According to Ponciano, Costa will be a great contending team for years to come.
“I believe our team will always be a contending and with some new players next year we will be a great team,” Ponciano said.
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