California falls to Bunceton

California's Jessica Hughes releases a pitch during the varsity softball game at the California Sports Complex.
California's Jessica Hughes releases a pitch during the varsity softball game at the California Sports Complex.

The California High School softball teams hosted Bunceton Thursday, Sept. 19, at the California Sports Complex, where the varsity suffered a 5-1 loss to the Lady Dragons.

The game was scored 1-1 until the sixth inning when Bunceton scored three runs to lead 4-1. The Lady Dragons added one run in the seventh to seal the deal at 5-1.

Jessica Hughes recorded the loss with 8 strikeouts.

Sam Beckham led California hits with a triple and one RBI. Ashlyn Moore had a double and a single, and Tiffany Carel contributed two singles.

"The girls played a strong defensive angle against Bunceton," California Coach Leah Scott said. "We hit the ball better, but we weren't able to hit any gaps. We held strong the first five innings and ended the game with only one error. The girls are still steadily improving in all aspects of the game and we continue to struggle with batting as a team. I feel once we gain more confidence at the plate, the girls will be a tough team. We are learning various aspects, plays and skills every day."

There was no JV game due to weather.

Previously, California hosted Pilot Grove Monday, Sept. 16, where the varsity lost 8-4 to the Lady Tigers.

The third inning made the difference for Pilot Grove as the Lady Tigers jumped from a 1-0 lead to 7-2.

The Lady Pintos scored one run in the fifth and another in the sixth, however, Pilot Grove held on for the win, 8-4.

Hughes recorded the loss with two strikeouts.

Moore led California hits with a double. Carel and Madelyn Jobe each had a single, and Madi Simmons had one RBI.

"We had one inning where they scored off multiple base hits," Scott said. "We've struggled with coming back after an inning like that, but this time we were able to come back and score four runs. This is an improvement for us and a goal we had set. We're proud of the advancement and teamwork that has brought us together."

California's JV lost 8-4 to Pilot Grove in five innings.

The Lady Pintos traveled to Ashland Sept. 13, where the varsity lost 6-0 to Southern Boone. The Lady Eagles led 1-0 until the fifth inning when they scored four runs to lead 5-0. Southern Boone added another run in the sixth and held on to the lead to take the win 6-0.

Hughes recorded the loss with one strikeout.

Simmons led California hits with a double and Moore had a single.

"We struggled with hitting," Scott said. "Southern Boone played strong defensively. Our girls kept their heads up and played hard the entire game. We look to strengthen our hitting abilities and aggressiveness as well as our offensive base running skills. We continue to make small improvements with each game."

California hosted Warsaw Monday night, where the varsity lost 13-8 to the Lady Wildcats, while the JV lost 13-3.

California's varsity will participate in the South Callaway Tournament Saturday. The Lady Pintos will play at Jamestown Monday, beginning with the varsity game at 5 p.m.