Sports

Varsity Softball suffers their first loss of the season

Abby Le

April 24, 2024

After weeks with a perfect 12-0 record, the Varsity Softball team faced their first loss of the season during a rematch against Bonita High School.

On Friday, April 19, Ayala’s Varsity Softball team faced off against Bonita’s Bearcats for the third time this season. In their past two meetings, the Bulldogs have taken the victory, winning once 10-4 and again 2-1. The recent league champions were looking to put a third win against the Bearcats under their belt, but in a shocking turn of events, their twelve game win streak was cut off by their opponent. The Bonita Bearcats took the victory in this game with a score of 7-0.

Prior to this game, Ayala held a 12-0 league record and Bonita had a 9-3 record. The two teams respectively took the first and second place positions in the league.

For a majority of the game, both teams went back and forth with their formidable opponents. Neither team was able to score any runs for a whole five innings worth. Defenses were strong on both teams, but as was their respective offenses.

On the Bulldogs’ offensive side, they managed six hits against the Bearcats’ pitcher, Kaitlyn Maaske (12). McKenzy Becerra (11) hit a double. However, many Bulldogs found themselves left on base at the end of innings, totaling seven times. On the defensive, junior Taelor Walker had six putouts and junior Jordyn Balingit had five, proving their strong efforts against Bonita.

But it wasn’t enough, as in the bottom of the sixth inning, the Bonita Bearcats snuck in seven runs off of three doubles and two singles in their final chances. Ayala was unable to answer in the top of the seventh, making the final score 7-0, the Bonita Bearcats taking the victory.

The Bearcats hit four doubles and had seven Runs-Batted-In. On the defense, sophomore Serenity Reyes was responsible for an impressive eleven putouts. Despite the high score toward the end, their pitcher, Maaske only struck out three Bulldogs.

Ultimately, the Bonita Bearcats put a stop to Ayala’s impressive season and cut off their perfect record.

About the Contributors

Abby Le, Staff Member

Abby Le (12) is a reporter for The Bulldog Times, and this is her first year on staff. This year, Abby is looking forward to expanding on her writing skills and opening the door to new connections with people, both on and off the staff. She is excited to see how far BDT will go and all the progress the staff will make as individuals. Abby is also involved in clubs around campus, such as Key Club and National Honor Society, but takes on many interests outside of school as well. She enjoys writing music to post on her social media, is a diehard Swiftie, enjoys dominating gold Valorant lobbies, and has a mild caffeine addiction.

David Jung, Staff Member

David Jung (10) is a writer for the Bulldog Times, and this is his 1st year on staff. David hopes to write articles for future members to read and for them to write stories that will surpass his own. He looks forward to seeing how the process will work out and seeing all members in action. He is also part of the Ayala Tennis team, being in J.V . In his free time, he enjoys playing video games, listening to music, making model kits, reading all kinds of books, eating many sweets, and taking good naps (if he can in the first place).