The California High School softball teams hosted Eldon Tuesday, Sept. 3, at the California Sports Complex, where both suffered a loss to the Lady Mustangs.
"There's a lot of heart and desire on this team," California Coach Leah Scott said. "When we're able to hit like we do in practice, all the pieces will come together. Coach (Darrell) Bolin and I are proud of how much the girls have improved, but more importantly, we're proud of how they are coming together as a team."
California's varsity lost 5-1 to Eldon. After two scoreless innings, the Lady Mustangs scored one run in the third, one in the fourth, and one in the fifth to lead 3-0. Eldon added one run in the sixth, as did California to trail 4-1. The Lady Mustangs managed one more run in the seventh to take the win, 5-1.
"The girls had a rough game of infield pop flies," Scott said. "We played a tough defensive side and the girls are improving tremendously with each game."
Jessica Hughes recorded the loss with two strikeouts.
"Jessica pitched a good game," Scott said. "She remained strong. We lacked on the offensive end, but really stepped it up defensively."
Ashlyn Moore led California hits with a double and a single, and scored the sole run for the Lady Pintos.
"Madi Simmons, Tiffany Carel, Hughes and Jenna Reynolds all had nice hits that were caught in the outfield," Scott said.
The JV Lady Pintos lost 16-2 to Eldon.
Madelyn Jobe was the starting pitcher for the JV game, while Moore stepped in for the fifth inning and finished out the game.
"Both did very well," Scott said. "Our JV made some great catches and turned a double play that was almost a triple play. The girls had a lot of fun and worked hard. We moved them around quite a bit to give them experience in a variety of areas."
California hosted Tipton Thursday, where the varsity lost 6-2, while the JV defeated the Lady Cardinals 10-6.
Tipton got off to a 2-0 lead after one inning of the varsity game. California scored one run in the second to trail 2-1. The Lady Cardinals added two runs in the third inning to lead 4-1. After a scoreless fourth inning, California added one run in the fifth to trail 4-2. Tipton scored one run in the sixth and another in the seventh, while holding the Lady Pintos back, to secure the win, 6-2.
"We kept a close game with Tipton," Scott said. "Defensively we did very well, and also improved on our offensive end. Our hitting improved and we bunted some. The girls played a great game and turned out a double play."
Jobe led California hits with two singles and one RBI. Carel followed with a double.
"Ashlyn Moore scored both of our runs by stealing home on an error and scoring off a single by Madelyn Jobe," Scott said.
Regarding California's 10-6 JV win against Tipton, Scott said, "Great win. We had many stolen bases and earned runs. The girls played well and improved their defensive side as well as their hitting."
The Lady Pintos traveled to Eugene Monday, Sept. 9, however, results were not available at press time.
California will host Versailles at 5 p.m. Thursday.