Softball playoffs within reach

After a monster 17-0 shutout over Gustine on April 24, the Mariposa County High School varsity softball team took a break from league action.

The team traveled to Minarets to go up against the Mustangs on April 29 where they lost 5-4.

“Minarets was a good match up,” said coach Kiya Smith.

“We went down 2-0 to start and then in the 4th we went up by two runs. Minarets ended up scoring three runs in the bottom of the 7th to beat us. It was a very good game.”

Brielle Martin put up two hits, three RBI and a double while Tylie Allison recorded one hit and a run.

Kylee Hutchings had a hit and a run while Taylor Krull scored one run.

Dakota Costa was a factor for the Grizzlies with one run, one hit and one stolen base.

After the game against Minarets, MCHS held a record of 8-2 in league with only three games remaining in the regular season .

The team was back on the road on May 1 to face the Wildcats at Waterford.

The Grizzlies came out on top over the Wildcats with an 8-0 shutout.

“We were playing down with only eight players,” Smith explained.

“We had two girls gone with FFA and one get injured in the first inning, so we played down but we are happy that we were able to still pull off a win.”

Along with a five-run seventh inning, pitcher Mikaylee Martin had eight strikeouts and only gave up one hit.

Bailey Costa went 3-for-4 with three RBI, one stolen base and one run.

Kallie Wass was a factor at the plate as she also went 3-for-4 with one run and a stolen base.

The Grizzlies traveled to Stone Ridge Christian (6-2) on May 4 to face the Knights before completing the regular season on May 6 against Le Grand (10-0) at MCHS.

Results for these two games were not available at press time.

“From the start of the season until now, I am happy with the team’s progress,” Smith said.

“One way that I look at their progress is by how we are doing when we are facing teams for the second time in league play” and the team has improved in the second (and sometimes third) outing with each team they’ve played.

Without any seniors on the roster this year, the players have stepped up and grown individually as well as a team.

“Our entire roster this year has grown as leaders and they’ve grown in their confidence as leaders,” continued Smith.

“We talk with the girls a lot about our team being a puzzle and each individual person is a piece that makes the whole puzzle. We are focusing on growing the girls as whole humans, not just softball players, which has helped with their leadership skills and their confidence.”

To stay up to date with the team and playoff information, visit www.maxpreps.com/ca/mariposa/mariposa-county-grizzlies/softball/