Varsity Eagles line up along the third base line and perform a single clap as each player is named from the opposing team’s lineup. Following this, the Eagles perform a double clap for each name announced from Arroyo Grande’s lineup. After both teams are announced, players remove their visors, put their right hands over their hearts and listen respectfully as the National Anthem is played from the announcer’s booth. (Lillenna Grace)
Second up to bat during the third inning, player #5, Marley Escareno (’28) fought hard at the plate but eventually struck out. During the offensive innings for AG, teammates in the dugout have faces pushed against the cold fence chanting for the batter to, “Smack [the ball].” Teammates in the dugout also chant against the other team, encouraging the pitcher to throw a ball rather than a strike.
(Lillenna Grace )
Third up to bat in the third inning, player #10, Ariana Olivas (’28), got hit by the ball (dead-ball) and took the walk to first base. Previously in the game, Olivas hit a fly-ball clean over second base and into center field. Unfortunately, the ball was caught by the center field player, but the AGHS stands were still cheering loudly, celebrating the impressive hit. Olivas was also seen in the fifth inning drawing a cross in the dirt before going up to bat, she hit a fly-ball to shortstop that was caught before it hit the ground and she was out. #10 had many fans in the crowd and was called “Little One” many times throughout the game from the bleachers. (Lillenna Grace)
Player #17 Adelana Rodriguez (’26) pitched the entire game. Despite St. Joseph HS players accomplishing some skilled plays and having successful batting techniques Rodriguez never appeared to be defeated. She kept trying, kept pitching the ball, and kept the game moving. An exciting moment for both the team and crowd was #17’s first three pitches of the game when she struck out a player from SJHS. In the defensive fifth inning, the player up-to-bat hit the ball directly back at Rodriguez and she had fast enough reflexes to put her glove in the air and catch the ball 3 inches away from her face. In the same play, she turned around and threw to second base, #32, Addy Creath (’25), turning the shocking moment into a double-play. (Lillenna Grace)
Player #44, Jaedyn Valdez (’25), caught for #17, Rodriguez, all seven innings of the game. In the defensive third inning, after a pitch got past Valdez, she recovered quickly and threw the ball from home plate to second base. Player #32, Creath, caught the ball and tagged the runner before she could steal the base. The Eagles got the out. Also, in the offensive fourth inning, Valdez hit the ball between right and center field to the fence. She ran hard and slid into second base for a double. (Lillenna Grace)
Player #27, Bella Velasquez (’25), closed the game in the seventh offensive inning by being the last one up to bat and unfortunately striking out. The Eagles lost the game to the Knights with a final score of 1-7 and fought hard the entire time. Throughout the game, the Eagles showed immense teamwork, perseverance, and positivity. Never letting their heads hang low, they turned a losing score into an undeniably exciting game. (Lillenna Grace)
Varsity players: #1 Karly Ortega (’26), #2 Sophia Cortez (’26), #5 Marley Escareno (’28), #10 Ariana Olivas (’28), #11 Cassandra Deleon (’28), #12 Ella Stennett (’25), #13 Gulianna Zamora (’28), #17 Adelana Rodriguez (’26), #23 Rylee Statham (’26), #27 Bella Valasquez (’25), #32 Addy Creath (’25), #44 Jaedyn Valdez (’25), #66 Kaylee Kopp (’27).
