Softball: Team breaks losing streak with two victories

The Falcons lost 16 games this year, but many players felt good that they were able to win two of the final four games in exciting fashion.

The team struggled throughout the season, especially after spring break, when they lost 12-2 to Cupertino on April 25 and 11-0 to Gunn on April 27. The Lady Falcons believe their losing record can be attributed to the level of competition they faced in the El Camino League.

However, the Falcons broke away from the tough season of consecutive losses with two exciting victories.

Saratoga defeated Lynbrook on April 28 with a close score of 9-8. The following day, Saratoga defeated Milpitas 5-4 to end the season.

Freshman shortstop Amanda Lee had three hits and a run for the team in the game against Milpitas. Against Milpitas, the game was highlighted by a walk-off double from the bat of senior Heather Gummow.

“My favorite part of the season was when we won and everyone was really excited,” Lee said. “It was really exciting because [Gummow] got one last big hit before she left.”

The wins brought the team to 2-8 in the El Camino Division of the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League.

“I feel the season went all right,” Lee said. “It definitely could have been better, but I thought we started to come together as a team in the end.”

Senior Megan Brading was selected as Player of the Year, batting a .439 in league, and struck out only two times in 42 plate appearances. She also was the No. 1 pitcher on the team.

Even though Brading, Whitney Hansen, Heather Gummow and Raven Sisco are graduating, many incoming freshmen are trying out next year to compensate for the losses.

“Next year, I think we will need to have a lot more focus and work harder at practices,” Lee said. “There are some really good freshmen coming in, but we’re still going to miss our seniors a lot because they were a lot of fun.”

The girls finished the season with two losses. On May 4, Falcons lost 6-3 to Los Altos and on May 6, they lost 6-3 to Monta Vista.

“It was a tough season, but it was still a lot of fun in the end,” Sisco said. “I’m going to miss the underclassmen and juniors, but my favorite part was being able to play with both my sisters [junior first baseman Talia and freshman catcher Tivoli]. I know next year they’re going to kick some butt.”