Softball: Four in a row for Estancia
Michael Hunter did not bring any of his players with him when he left Newport Harbor High to become the head coach of Estancia softball.
His pressure-packed style of coaching did follow him on the short trip to the north.
Hunter’s philosophy is centered around a simple idea – there are not going to be a lot of runs scored from first base.
It does not matter what the personnel is, if a runner reaches base, Hunter wants that title personified. They are on base to run the bases.
The Eagles are coming to grips with their new style of play, and it is beginning to pay dividends.
A 13-stolen base effort highlighted Estancia’s fourth straight win as the host Eagles defeated Magnolia, 11-4, on Friday afternoon in a nonleague game.
The Sentinels (5-4) barely had time to catch their breath. Estancia players were in motion the first pitch after they reached first base.
“I really enjoy the execution right now,” Hunter said. “They’re starting to believe.”
“Technically, getting a bunt down, or the hit-and-run behind the runner. We’re moving runners in motion when they’re swinging.”
The Eagles (6-6) did not get caught stealing in the contest. Everyone on the field knew what they were going to do, and the running game could not be stopped.
Estancia manufactured 11 runs on just seven hits. Emily Kubisty led the charge with two hits and three runs scored.
Grecia Henriquez endorsed Hunter’s aggressive base-running strategy, as it has put more runners in scoring position.
“We have adapted pretty well,” she said. “We all work together well because of the coaching style. I feel like we just work better all together.”
Catcher Kalena Shepherd scored three runs before leaving in the fifth. Angelina Gutierrez had a two-run double. Brittany Walker, Samantha Ochoa, and Henriquez added hits for the Eagles.
A big part of Estancia’s climb back to the .500 mark has been improved defense. Shepherd has returned behind the plate to stop the running game.
“We call that being strong up the middle,” Hunter said. “They’re not going to run on…Kalena. You see the arm. They didn’t even want to test it. Not many will.”
Kubisty and Henriquez have also played solidly in the infield.
Pitching and defense can be the lifeblood of a team. Walker (6-6) took care of the first part, striking out 11 against two earned runs in her seven innings.
Olivia Zubiate had two hits to lead the Sentinels. Sennie Viramontes, Selma Ortega, and Evelyn Pablo each had one.
First-year varsity outfielder Mackenzie McIntyre is eager to see where the Eagles can go after their recent turnaround.
“I’m really excited for our next few games and how well we’re working early in the season,” she said.
Estancia remains at home for a doubleheader against Westminster on Saturday.
Nonleague
Estancia 11, Magnolia 4
SCORE BY INNINGS
Mag 200 002 0 – 4 5 5
Est 204 401 X – 11 7 3
Viramontes, Zubiate (5) and Gomez; Walker and Shepherd, Ochoa. W – Walker, 6-6. L – Viramontes, 5-3. 2B – Gutierrez (Est), Kubisty (Est).
Twitter: @ProfessorTurner