Westlake Proves Calcante’s Prediction Erroneous, 3-2

Westlake High softball Coach Beth Calcante won’t soon be confused with Nostradamus.

Simi Valley’s 3-2 victory over the Warriors Thursday at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park ensured that.

Before the season, Calcante boldly predicted that her team wouldn’t lose more than five games. But the Warriors (8-6, 3-5 in league play) are in danger of dropping a greater number in league games alone.

“Errors killed us again,” a frustrated Calcante said. “We’ve got to be leading the United States in errors.”

The Warriors, who made five errors in a 2-0 loss to Camarillo on Tuesday, had two more against Simi Valley (10-5, 6-1).

The most costly mistake came with two out in the fifth inning.

Shortstop Michelle Notaro dropped Michelle Schoen’s pop fly, allowing Lori Tande to score from second base and giving the Pioneers a 3-1 lead.

Tande, who pitched a seven-hitter, retired 13 of the last 14 batters--including 10 consecutive Warriors after falling behind, 1-0, on a single by Amanda Martin with two out in the third.

In addition to scoring the eventual winning run, Tande had a two-run home run in the third inning that put the Pioneers ahead, 2-1.

The Warriors rallied for a run in the seventh when Amber Heyl singled and scored three batters later on a wild pitch.

Pioneer left fielder Teresa De La Torre helped prevent a bigger inning when she made a running catch of Kristi Whitney’s fly ball in foul territory.