Mik Martin is pictured pitching for the Grizzlies at MCHS last month.
The Grizzlies are finding their groove as the Mariposa County High School varsity softball team pulled out a couple wins over the last two weeks.
After experiencing some hiccups at the start of the season with several losses, the team won 6-2 over Sonora on March 2.
“We hit really well when we played Sonora and we were able to pull off a win there,” said coach Kiya Smith.
“That has helped with our confidence in hitting and we’re on the right track.”
After a 21-0 loss to Hilmar on March 3 and a 13-3 loss to Livingston on March 6, the Grizzlies bounced back to win over Summerville with a score of 6-2 the same day.
The players showed grit as they battled it out with Buhach Colony on March 7 where they pulled off the win 10-9.
“We’ve seen a lot of great valley schools,” Smith said.
“It’s great to compete with the bigger programs and learn from what they have to offer. It really challenges us to play at a higher level.”
Josey Williams throws to the cutoff person earlier this season at MCHS. Photos by Amanda White
The team struggled early on connecting with the ball at the plate.
“Hitting is definitely improving,” Smith continued.
“We have been doing some rotations and hitting drills with making contact. A number of them are really improving.”
The team is a young bunch this year with many freshmen and sophomores.
“Tylie Allison and Mik Martin are both underclassmen and both are rising to the challenge pitching for us,” Smith explained.
“They’re just really doing a great job.”
A familiar face on the field is volleyball stud Emma Pioske.
“Emma has not played softball in quite a few years, she’s a volleyball star,” Smith said.
“She’s come back and she’s really getting the hang of it,” said Smith.
“She’s been catching on super quick.”
Taylor Krull continues to be a foundational piece for the group.
“Taylor is always finding a way on base for us and she’s just a stud on defense,” the coach said.”
Kylee Hutchings (left) and Taylor Krull (right) are always ready as they anticipate the play at short stop and third base during game action last month.
“They all have something different which is making them stick out to me, which I love. They all bring something valuable.”
The team sat with a record of 4-7 overall before traveling to Golden Valley to take the field against the Cougars on March 11.
Results were not available at press time.
Next up, the group will travel to Bret Harte for one final game before league begins.
Game time is 3:30 p.m.
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