Wildcats softball team rallies to beat rival Heritage, 12-11

Paloma Valley infielder Brooklyn Berni fields a ground ball Tuesday. (Photo by Action Captures Media Group)

 
By Paige Mendez, Correspondent

The Paloma Valley softball team hosted crosstown opponent Heritage at home Tuesday afternoon and rallied for a 12-11 win.

The Wildcats started out strong with a grand slam from junior Abigail Rogers just four batters into their lineup. Rogers said she felt a base hit coming after fouling off a couple pitches beforehand.

“I wanted it bad and just wanted to drive in some runs,” she said. “I told myself, ‘Just hit it on the ground’, but it turned out not to hit the ground at all and that was way better.”

That 4-0 lead carried them almost all the way through the next two innings, until a Patriot single from Abbie Baron got Heritage’s first run in. Paloma scored three runs to answer that in the third, but Heritage answered back again with three runs in the fourth and seven in the fifth (on five hits, three of which were doubles) to take an 11-7 lead.

Though the Patriots had created quite the hill for the Wildcats to climb, they turned out to be up to the task.

A single from catcher Lynda Guerra followed by a triple from left fielder Faith Joseph started the Wildcat comeback and the winning run came in after a single from Kayla McGee had Rogers scoring on the throw in from the field.

Heritage only had one more chance where a runner was in scoring position after Morgan Martens doubled in the top of the seventh, but Paloma’s defense stopped her there and finished the game ahead 12-11.

Wildcat assistant coach Jon Barnes said his team’s comeback can be attributed to their resilience.

“This team has been going through a lot, both on and off the field,” he said. “They have had lows and they’ve had highs, and fortunately they’re on a high today.”

Rogers said she hopes people see how hard her team can fight.

“I want to lift these girls up and I want people to know that we’re ready to play,” she said. “I can always count on my teammates with 100 percent positivity to pick me up and I hope people see that in us.”

Paloma has a quick turnaround as they face Temecula Valley at home Wednesday afternoon, seeking to improve their 9-7 overall record in the non-league matchup.

Heritage’s Patriots, who scored the most runs of any opponent so far against the Wildcats, are still seeking their first win of the season.

"I think our offense was able to make a comeback and make this game worth watching," coach Lexi Blevins said. "We struggled with our defense and it is something we are continuously working on. I loved the girls’ energy throughout this game and I feel like we actually fought to try and win.

"It’s not enjoyable to lose, especially a rivalry game, but the idea is to bounce back and get better for the next one. We are excited to finish the season on a strong note and we as coaches are there to support and shape as we go."

Heritage catcher Abbie Barron prepares to make a pickoff throw. (Photo by Action Captures Media Group)

 Heritage's Marilu Mendez stretches for a throw at first base Tuesday. (Photo by Action Captures Media Group)

 Paloma Valley pitcher Laila Gonzales delivers a pitch. (Photo by Action Captures Media Group)

Heritage's Emma Sartori rounds third base on the way to scoring a run. (Photo by Action Captures Media Group)

 

Meghan Bradley prepares to field a ground ball in Tuesday's game. (Photo by Action Captures Media Group)