Softball Heats Up

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Sofia Zendejas

Reagan Hamilton catching a strike.

Kyleigh Phillips getting congratulated by her team after getting a home run.

 

The varsity softball team has had a very busy schedule recently. Last Wednesday, the Wildcats played the Shafter Generals at home. The game started off in favor of the Wildcats, as the defense held solid against Shafter’s solid starting lineup. When it was Taft’s turn at the plate, Taft showed solid dominance with key base hits that allowed runners to get on base. Taft ended up scoring 3 runs in the first inning before the Generals could finally shut the inning away. The second inning proved no different for the Generals, as the Wildcats’ defense was too strong to handle. The Wildcats wasted no time and scored 6 runs in the second inning. At the start of the third inning, the score was 9-0 in favor of Taft. Shafter ended up not scoring the whole game as Taft swept the Generals, 13-0.

Sofia Zendejas
Kyleigh Phillips pitching for Taft High.

Coming fresh off the win at home versus Shafter, Taft had to play the next day in Fresno California at Central. Fatigue seemed to have played a key role in their loss, as Central beat Taft 7-1. In the first three innings, Taft could not break the Central defense and did not score any runs. In those three innings, Central scored a total of 4 runs. By the end of the game, Taft had lost 7-1 to Central.

Coming back after a loss builds character. It also gives extra motivation to fight harder the next time you play. Taft played La Jolla Country Day after losing to Central High School. The game started off very intense as no team could score on each other. By the fourth inning, Taft had scored a single run. With the score being 1-1, both teams had a stronger incentive to win. However, in the 6th inning, La Jolla scored the third run of the game, making the score 2-1 in favor of La Jolla Country Day. Taft could not break the defense and could not score again, even though they left four runners on base. Taft lost to La Jolla Country Day, 2-1.

Sofia Zendejas
Brooklyn Yaws running home.

Taft High played a tough opponent named Lemoore the very next day. The game was exciting as Taft and Lemoore went point for point until the very last inning. Taft had over 15 hits for the game and played great defense even though Lemoore scored 8 points. Taft won this thriller 9-8.