The Hawks softball team lost to the Sierra College Wolverines 0-1 after eight innings on Tuesday.
Through seven innings, neither the Hawks or the Wolverines let a runner get to second base. Although both teams were heavily dependent on their pitchers, the Hawks were able to get four hits.
Prior to the game, Coach Kristy Schroeder said the team has been doing well defensively and hitting the ball. She also said their pitching has been very sound.
“This season has been great. We’ve been having one of the best years ever,” Schroeder said.
It wasn’t until the beginning of the eighth inning that the Wolverines were able to make it to second base and shortly after, to third.
Despite the Hawks’ first base exiting the game with a right knee injury during the bottom of the seventh, they recovered in the next and final inning. Even with runners in a position to score, the Hawks couldn’t make it to home base to tie the game.
Sophomore shortstop Leandra Coronado said staying up after they were down and trying to make a good comeback was difficult.
“I think everyone knew what was at stake for this game, I would say that there was a little bit of pressure, but I think once we started playing it was fun,” Coronado said.
Coronado added that from this game, she learned that you have to give it your all, all the time and “be on your stuff” the entire game.
“One little quick change can change the entire direction of the game,” Coronado said.
Ashlee Toy, who is a sophomore pitcher said the Hawks wanted to win, but still gave the game all they had.
“This team is good and we played like we’re supposed to play today, it just didn’t go in our favor,” Toy said.
Toy stated that the Wolverines are a good team too and that the Hawks “battled” each inning.
Schroeder said these conference games give the team a good idea of what they need to prepare for going into the week after they finish conference.
Schroeder also mentioned that last year was a modified season due to COVID, so the Hawks only played Los Rios schools.
“It’s been a lot of fun this season and again, it could be too because everybody’s so happy to be out there and being able to have a regular season,” Schroeder said.
It was also Sophomore Day, a celebration where sophomores who are not returning, were recognized for their accomplishments both academically and in the field.
“It takes a lot to be able to say ‘hey, I’m going to continue to play and come every day when you don’t have a full season,’” Schroeder said.