Though threatened by rain for most of the day, the De Anza softball team took to the soggy field on Thursday, March 1, and triumphed with a 9-3 win over Mission College.
The game began about 15 minutes early at 2:45 p.m. in an effort to take advantage of the favorable weather and beat out the setting sun.
During the first couple of innings, both teams traded fly balls and infield hits, keeping the score an even 2-2. In the third inning, Mission began to slip as an overthrown ball at third sent De Anza’s Marrianne Llavore home for an easy run, shaking the team’s confidence and allowing the Dons to finally gain ground.
The Dons picked up momentum in the bottom of the fifth inning and scored six of their nine runs. “It took us a while to wake and score,” freshman infielder Hannah Mutz said. Hit after hit sailed into the outfield as the Dons finally seemed to get into a rhythm.
Although happy with the “W,” the team’s attitude toward their performance was less than enthusiastic after the game. “We weren’t playing up to our potential,” said freshman Vanessa Smith. “We need to stay strong for our conference.”
Currently De Anza is second in the North Division of the Coast Conference, situated mere points behind Ohlone College.
Coach Rachael Pacheco offered her impressions of the teams overall performance. “It’s a win, but I think there’s a level at which you play and I think this team is capable of a higher level,” she said. “They’re a young team and they have a lot of work to do, but there’s a lot of positive things that they’ve already accomplished this season.”
Approaching the midpoint of their season, the team now boasts a 10-4 record, and the players hope to keep the momentum going. “Consistency is what you hope for as a coach,” Pacheco said.
Though the tone of the victory was more downtrodden than spectators might expect, Vanessa Smith said, “at least it’s a win!”
De Anza’s next home game will be on Tuesday, March 13, against Hartnell College at 3 p.m.
HITTING FOR EXCELLENCE – Vanessa Smith connects with the ball as the Dons pick up momentum halfway through the game. (Sara Gobets, Photo Editor.)
