Acalanes Softball traveled to San Leandro on Tuesday afternoon looking to rebound from a couple of tough games recently.  The Dons had tons of energy from the first pitch and were prepared to take on the challenge against this large Division 1 school.  

The Dons bats came alive in this game as every single player for the Dons got a hit in the game.  EVERY SINGLE PLAYER GOT A HIT!  15 hits in total for the Dons on the day to lead Acalanes past San Leandro Varsity Pirates 11-7.  

In the top of the first inning, Emme Young got things started by getting hit by a pitch, Hailey Stripling followed up with a line drive to centerfield.   After a fielder’s choice and a strikeout, up came Lulu Levy with 2 outs. Levy delivered a clutch hit to bring home Stripling and the Dons took the early 1-0 lead.  

Maya Shoenhair got the start in the pitcher’s circle for the Dons and held the Pirates scoreless in the bottom of the first to hold the 1-0 lead. 

Offensively, things really got going in the top of the second for the Dons.  Nicole Parlett smashed a single to LF to get the rally started, was followed by a bunt single from Lauren Foster.  Unfortunately, Parlett was picked off second base for the second out of the inning.   The Dons were not deterred. Young had an unbelievable slash bunt for a hit, Stripling was then hit by a pitch to load the bases.   Esa Orman then singled to drive in the second run of the game to put the Dons up 2-0.  Bases were still loaded as Acalanes clean up hitter Tess Gundacker, recently back from injury, strolled to the plate.   Gundacker whacked it into the gap for a double to clear the bases.   The Dons were not done, Levy then got her second hit of the game and second RBI on a line drive single to left.  Emmi Cronin then crushed a double down the left field line to bring home Levy.  Shoenhair drilled a single to left field to bring in Cronin.  The Dons batted around and put up seven runs in the second inning after the second out.  Orman, Gundacker, Levy, Cronin, and Shoenhair all drove in runs in the frame.

Shoenhair and the defense then went to work to preserve the 8 run lead.   Shoenhair went four innings, allowing 3 earned runs while striking out a season high six batters.  Lana Cerejo then came in for the final three innings to slam the door shut on the Pirates to finish the game by only allowing 1 earned run, no walks and 1 strikeout.  

While the Dons all had a lot of hits, Catcher Esa Orman came to the ballpark and meant business on Tuesday, driving in four on three hits to lead the Dons in both categories.  Orman drove in runs on a single in the second, a single in the third, and a single in the fifth while also playing an exceptional game behind the plate.  

The softball Dons are now looking to build momentum from this game for the final stretch of the regular season.  There are six games left in the regular season with two next week at Acalanes. Monday hosting Berean Christian and Thursday hosting Las Lomas.   Both games start at 4:30.   Come root on your Dons!