Softball Wraps Up First Half of 2019 Big 8 Play; Hosts Diablo Valley in Doubleheader Saturday

Sierra College Softball traveled to Folsom last Friday, March 22 to take on Folsom Lake College, wrapping up the first half of 2019 Big 8 play. The Wolverines improved to 7-3 in league play with their two victories over Folsom (5-1 in game one, 9-1 in game two).

In game one, Sierra secured the 5-0 victory with Bella Bottini in the circle, allowing no Falcon runs with just 4 hits. Lexi DeLozier and Dallas Atchley both had doubles (2 in Atchley's case) while Toni Whipkey sent one over the fence and then followed that up with a double in the sixth. Toni Whipkey, Dallas Atchley and Ashley Miller all recorded RBI, with DeLozuire adding 2 RBI to her record.

Game two got off to a slow start, the Wolverines leading just 2-1 after 4 innings of play. Sierra was able to break things open in the fifth however, plating 7 runs to go up 9-1, and with the Falcons unable to answer back, took home the 9-1 five inning win. Amanda Hoffman recorded the win in the circle, allowing one run on five hits, while striking out seven and walking one. Bella Bottini and Lillian Whitley both doubled, while Bailynn Meeks homered and secured two RBI. Also recording RBI were Bella Bottini (2), Lillian Whitley (2), Bryanne Daniels (2), and Ashley Miller.

After the Folsom games, Sierra headed to Porterville for a non conference double header, winning both those games. The first was a 9-0 victory, followed by a 10-2 5-inning win in game two.

Sierra had a bye last Tuesday, and now gears up for a doubleheader on Saturday (March 30), hosting Diablo Valley at 12:00pm and 2:00pm at Sierra College in Rocklin.

Sierra has so far racked up an overall record of 23-6 in the 2019 season, with a team batting average of .328, on base percentage of .386 and slugging percentage of .482. The Wolverines lead the state in doubles (with 70) and extra base hits (with 89), are 3rd in hits with 263 and have plated 186 runs.

Sophomore pitcher Bailynn Meeks has so far hit .414 on the season, with 14 doubles (3rd in California) and 39 RBI (also 3rd in California). In addition, she has put together an ERA of 2.70 in 44 innings of work, while also remaining perfect in the field, putting out 13 with 19 assists on 32 total chances.

Freshman pitcher Amanda Hoffman leads the team with an ERA of 1.75, striking out 54 batters in 60 innings, while securing nine wins and 2 saves with just a single loss to her name.