The softball team defeated the Reedley College Tigers in their home opener doubleheader on Friday winning 8-0 and 6-0.

Head coach Kristy Schroeder said she was really happy with the team’s performance during their first home game.

“I thought our pitchers all threw exceptionally well and stuck to their game plan, we couldn’t have done any better on the mound,” Schroeder said. “I thought we played good defense too and we had energy on the field.”

The Hawks scored their first three runs of the second game during the bottom of the first inning, with an RBI triple from sophomore left fielder Eden Hobart and an RBI double from sophomore catcher Kalani Hernandez.

Hobart said playing the home game was exhilarating and lots of fun and hopes the team can make a return to the state championship.

“For team goals I want to get to states and win conference, that’s kind of everyone’s goal,” Hobart said. “For my own personal goal hitting wise, I want it to stay in the .280 to .300 range for my batting average and carry good energy throughout the season.”

Neither team managed to score in between the top of the second inning and the bottom of the fifth inning.

The Hawks’ offense earned another three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning with Hall hitting a single followed by Hobart advancing to first base due to an error by the opposing team’s shortstop.

Hopkins then singled, advancing Hobart to second and Hall managed to score, earning Hopkins an RBI.

Hall said this season brings in a lot of new players, and connecting with the team has been great.

“I think we’ve all been getting along and I think that this journey is going to be long for us and let’s go all of the way,” Hall said.

Assistant coach and groundskeeper Dan Krum, who has readied the field for the Hawks for seven seasons, said coaches have had to learn the players’ personalities.

“We coach every kid differently based on what they need from us,” Krum said.

Krum also added that avoiding drama within the team has been a key to their success, as Schroeder would “rather lose than have drama.”

The Hawks are shifting their focus to their doubleheader against San Jose City College on Tuesday with the first game set to start at 12:30 p.m.

The team now sits at a pre-season record of 4-2.