The defending DAL Champion Dons started the season with a back-and-forth battle against the Division 1 Dougherty Valley Wildcats on Thursday. Both teams came out hitting! The two squads combined to score 9 runs in the 1st inning, with the Wildcats holding onto a 5-4 lead after a 30-minute first frame.
Senior centerfielder and leadoff hitter Emme Young led the way with 3 hits, 2 runs scored and an RBI. Emme also threw a laser from centerfield in the top of the 3rd inning to gun down a Wildcat runner at the plate and end a threat.
Sophomore left fielder Vanessa Choi had an outstanding game at the plate with 3 hits (including 2 doubles), 2 runs scored and 2 RBIs. Freshman June Natal made a fantastic Varsity debut with a couple of nice plays in the field to go with 2 hits, including a home run in her first high school game!
Junior hurler Maya Shonehair went the distance for the Dons in the circle. She battled through some adversity and found a way to get better every inning of the Thursday tilt against the Wildcats, with the help of Senior catcher Esa Orman behind the plate. Maya finished with 5 strikeouts.
After some early game defensive jitters the girls fought back against a loaded Dougherty Valley team to narrow the deficit to 14-9 in the final inning. The game ended on one of several curious calls by the umpires that left the home fans confused. Nonetheless, the team looked strong and determined at the plate.
The future is bright for this talented squad. Acalanes started 3 sophomores and a freshman in the infield with Santana Tamaya at third, Riley Zirkel at shortstop and fellow sophomore Gabby Huerta at second, joined by freshman sensation June Natal at first base.
There were a ton of positives to build on for with this young team. The Dons take on the Piedmont Highlanders on Tuesday, 2/25 in Piedmont. Our girls can hit! Get ready for some an exciting season.
Go DONS!