The Acalanes Dons Varsity Softball hosted last year’s league champion Northgate Broncos for an unforgettable showdown on Thursday afternoon. A game that started with some offensive fireworks quickly turned into a pitching duel and defensive showcase until the final inning when the Dons ended up falling 6-2 but the final score does not represent just how close this game was between these two fierce teams.
Maya Shoenhair got the start for the Dons against the strong hitting Broncos and gave up a double to start the game followed by an RBI single in the top of the first. RF Lauren Foster made a nice play in right for the first out, followed by a great play by 2B Avery Robb. Shoenhair settled down and struck out the final hitter to end the inning.
Emme Young got things going immediately for the Dons in the bottom half of the first with a hard single up the middle. Vanessa Choi then walked to get a rally going. Eventually, Young was able to steal third, and then score on a steal of home after Choi baited the Broncos into a throw down to second base. After one inning, the Dons were down 2-1.
In the second inning, the Broncos looked to add to their lead, but with two runners on base, Shoenhair induced 2 high pop-ups that Robb secured with ease. Unfortunately the offense could not get things going against a tough pitcher who was keeping our Dons off the bases.
The score would stay the same for the next 5 innings as both Sophomore fireballers shut down the opposing offenses and several highlight defensive plays were made. In the 3rd inning, SS Riley Zirkel made an outstanding double play by chasing down a line drive and firing the ball over to first to double off the runner. In the 5th inning, the Outfielders made all the outs with Foster catching 2 fly balls and Young catching the other. 1B Gabby Huerta made a nice play along the fence in the 6th inning.
Now to the 7th inning, the first batter for the Broncos laid down a good bunt and the Dons made a nice play, but an unfortunate call at first base got the Broncos going. A single and another bunt loaded the bases with nobody out. The Broncos finally broke through with a fly ball to centerfield that cleared the fence to take a 6-1 lead.
However, the Dons did not quit and fought back in the bottom half of 7th. Lulu Levy got things started with a walk. Then Ella Greenfield singled on a ground ball to right, while Young quickly followed with another single to load the bases with only one out. Choi then walked again, getting on base for the third time in the game and bringing home Levy to bring the tying run to the plate in Esa Orman. Showing incredible grit, Orman had an incredible 11 pitch at-bat putting everyone on the edge of their seats. Unfortunately for the Dons, the Broncos were able to get the last two outs to prevail. The rematch later this season will be one to watch.
The Dons travel to Encinal High School this Saturday, first pitch at 11:00.