In an energetic, back-and-forth softball game between American River College and San Joaquin Delta College, the Beavers lost 3-1 on March 4.
The game started off quickly with three outs from both teams in the first inning. That rhythm continued until the fourth inning when SJD’s second baseman Tara Fornaciari got her team on the scoreboard. The Beavers had no answer as they only had one hit in the fourth inning.
As the game continued it was a matchup of dominant defense from both ARC and SJD. Both teams only allowed one hit in the fifth inning until ARC’s catcher Jennifer Willie ran to home plate, tying the game at 1-1 in the sixth inning.
The score remained 1-1 at the end of the seventh inning, forcing the Beavers and the Mustangs to head into extra innings. As the teams prepared to continue their match to break the tied score, both dugouts were heard chanting while coaches amped up their players.
When the teams entered the eighth inning it was a battle of defense as both SJD and ARC received three outs with zero hits.
While the first extra inning was underwhelming with action, Delta went into the ninth inning determined to put an end to the game as they acquired two runs making the score 3-1.
The Beavers had no answer to the dominance the Mustangs were serving as they ended the ninth inning with three outs. Delta swarmed the field and cheered as they ended the game with a final score of 3-1.
After the game as Delta celebrated its win, ARC went to the left side of the field to reflect on their game and what could’ve been changed.
“It was a fun game until the end where it was more of a pitcher’s duel”, said Lisa Delgado, ARC softball head coach, “We should have made endgame adjustments towards the end at the plate, but Delta is a good team, and we were the underdogs.”
When the team adjourned and players were collecting their bags, it was a dugout mixed with frustration and encouragement amongst the teammates.
“It was a challenge at the end, but we stood together as a team even though we made little mistakes at the plate,” ARC catcher Jennifer Wylie said, “but our defense was solid.”
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