Encinal softball found itself down early in its NCS playoff game against Maria Carrillo. Despite the Jets being down 6-1 in the 2nd inning, they told themselves it wasn’t anything new.
“We all stayed positive and kept playing as hard as we could,” said sophomore Jazzy Alcantar. “We told each other we’ve come back many times from leads like this and we just needed to stay focused and play hard together.”
#10 Encinal (14-10) did just that, upsetting #2 Maria Carrillo (16-5) in the second round of D3 NCS on May 19 in Santa Rosa. The Jets scored four runs in the 6th to win 8-7.
“It feels great that our team has grown so much throughout this entire season,” said junior Amy Screechfield. “EHS softball has never made it this far in NCS, so it’s really exciting to be part of this team.”
The rally started in the 5th inning with WACC League MVP Lola Whalen’s three run home run to make it 6-4. Whalen went 2-for-4 with 3 RBIs.
“[The home run] helped keep the energy going and showed the team that we can win,” said Whalen. “I don’t think Encinal softball has made it this far and I’m glad that we get to represent the Jets.”
The Jets continued to put pressure on the Pumas in the 6th. After freshman Kiely Wong drew a bases-loaded walk to make it 6-5, Alcantar cleared the bases with a timely double to give Encinal an 8-6 lead.
“When I came up…I was thinking about finding any way to get on base, and for me to be smart about my pitch selection,” said Alcantar. “I took a deep breath and tried to have some fun. I knew regardless of what I did I had a good hitter right after me.”
Maria Carrillo added a run in the bottom of the 6th, but junior Celeste Hurtubise pitched a scoreless 7th to hold on for the win. Hurtubise struck out three and walked three.
Hurtubise was a big part of Encinal’s first round win over #7 Acalanes on May 16. The junior struck out 10 Dons, including the final batter with the bases loaded in the 7th.
“My rise balls were helping me during most of the game…during their last at bat I remembered what her weak spots were when hitting against me and I kept pitching rise balls to her.”
#10 Encinal will face #6 Eureka (16-7) on May 24 in the D3 NCS Semifinals.
