Thursday’s game against Northgate Varsity Broncos was a heartbreaker for Acalanes Softball Dons, as they had the tying run at third base in the last inning but eventually lost the game in a 6-5 defeat to make their record 3-1 on the season.  

Acalanes lost despite out-hitting Northgate Varsity Broncos seven to six.  The Dons took the lead in the bottom of the first when Emme Young scored the first run of the game on a sacrifice fly by Esa Orman.  

After falling behind 3-1, Acalanes tied things up in the bottom of the 4th. Young doubled on a 2-1 count, with two out driving in two critical runs as Maya Shoenhair and Avery Robb came across the plate.

Shoenhair was in the circle to start for the Dons and she surrendered three unearned runs on three hits over three innings, while striking out two.  Lana Cerejo then came in to throw the four innings out of the bullpen also allowing only 3 runs against the visitors powerful lineup.   

On defense the Acalanes outfield of Lulu Levy, Sofia Alvarado and Young made several great plays while the infield anchored by Shortstop Hailey Stripling, with 1B Nicole Parlett, 2B Emmi Cronin, 3B Robb and Orman behind the plate kept the Dons in the game.  

Northgate rallied with 3 runs in the top of the 6th to take a 6-3 lead.  However, the Dons battled back immediately in the bottom of the 6th.  Northgate had pitched around Stripling all game, but this time Stripling delivered with an inspirational clutch 2 run home run over the right field fence which also scored Lauren Foster.

After Cerejo induced three quick outs, the Dons rallied again in the bottom of the 7th to get the tying run at 3rd base.  Unfortunately, they could not get her home to extend the game and the Dons lost for the first time this season.   

Dons play next at Berean Christian on Tuesday the 21st.