LO softball team shut out by Hollister ace in TCAL opener
Mar 19, 2004 - Staff Reports
Third baseman Katie Hillman guns out a baserunner during Thursday's game.
In an offensive performance remininscent of its struggles last season, the Live Oak girls softball team managed just two hits in the Tri-County Athletic League opener at highly ranked Hollister-San Benito on Thursday.
Hollister ace Dani Hernandez struck out eight batters and didn't give up any walks to help the Balers win 2-0.
"We knew what to expect from her," said Live Oak coach Barry McDonnell. "We worked on the drop ball in practice, but we just couldn't break through."
Live Oak junior pitcher Juliette Bowers, who didn't play last year after competing on a travelling volleyball team, pitched a solid game for Live Oak also.
"She is a tough pitcher," said Baler coach Scott Smith. "She keeps the ball down and throws in the low 60s, but we didn't let that faze us. Our kids still were taking cuts."
The Balers (1-0 in TCAL, 7-1 overall) scored their runs in the first and fifth innings by playing small ball.
"We knew they were going to play the short game and be fast and aggressive," McDonnell said. "There were just a few plays that got past us that allowed them to score. They're a real solid team and deserve to be ranked where they are in CCS."
Senior Justine McDonald and junior Andrea Thrappas had the only hits for the Acorns (0-1 in TCAL, 4-4 overall).
McDonald had her hit in the fifth, and Thrappas legged out an infield single in the seventh after a close play at first.
Despite the loss, McDonnell said he wasn't discouraged by his team's performance against one of the best teams in the Central Coast Section.
Hollister, which features a cadre of players who have played together for years in club softball, is ranked in the Top 10 in the section.
"That's just the way it is in the TCAL," McDonnell said on Live Oak's lack of offense. "All the scores are going to be low. The defense is so strong now, it's really tough to score. We're putting the ball in play and sooner or later it will get through."
This weekend, Live Oak is scheduled to play in the single elimination Silver bracket of the Annie Lynch Memorial Circle of Champions Tournament on Saturday.
The Acorns are set to play Soquel at 9 a.m. at Twin Creeks on Saturday.
If they win, the Acorns would advance to play the winner of the Mercy -Burlingame vs. Gilroy game at 1 p.m.
Next week, Live Oak is scheduled to return to TCAL play with games against visiting North Salinas on Wednesday and at Salinas on Friday.
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