Indian loss is extra tough

Jeff Tully

The move to CIF Division I had some wondering if Burroughs High could

compete against the finest softball teams the Southern Section had to

offer in the playoffs.

However, despite a 2-1 extra-inning loss to La Puente Bishop Amat

on Wednesday in a wild-card game at Olive Park, the Indians were able

to hold their own and put together a fine performance.

The visiting Lancers were able to push across the winning run in

the eighth inning to salvage the victory.

“We had to really battle for this win today,” Bishop Amat

assistant coach Arthur Robles said. “I thought [Burroughs] played

well and they have a nice team. It was just a game of evenly matched

teams.”

Burroughs Coach Jennifer Gomes said if her team was to be

competitive in the playoffs, it would have to play good defense.

Against Bishop Amat (16-11), the Indians played extremely well in the

field, diving for balls and making hit-saving catches.

Senior centerfielder Ryanne Hodgins -- who has signed with

University of New Mexico -- made two gems. She had a shoestring catch

in the first inning to rob leadoff batter Tricia Aggabao of a hit and

went deep in the eighth inning on a hard-hit ball to keep the Lancers

off the bases.

Burroughs (16-10) shortstop Samantha Valenzuela also came up with

some outstanding plays, as did first baseman Val Rico and catcher

Lisa Dennis.

Through seven innings, the Indians played error-free ball.

However, the defensive play of the contest was turned in by Bishop

Amat left fielder Amelia Alvarez.

In the bottom of the eighth inning -- with the Lancers leading,

2-1 -- Hodgins beat out a ball for an infield hit and stole second

base. After two Indian outs, Janette Galindo came to the plate and

promptly smacked a shot to left field. With the ball sinking toward

the grass for a potential hit, Alvarez went to her left, dove for the

ball and made a spectacular catch to end the game.

“The girls were really pumped up for this game,” Burroughs Coach

Jennifer Gomez said. “They played really well and they should be

proud of this game.”

The Indians came into the game as the third-place team from the

Foothill League -- thanks to two forfeit wins against Saugus -- and

the Lancers finished third in the Serra League.

After a fine defensive effort through regulation, Burroughs’ only

error of the game was a costly one.

In the top of the eighth inning, Bishop Amat’s Katie Gollhardt

delivered a one-out triple to left-center field. After an out, No. 5

hitter Katie Elder connected on a Dani Regan pitch and the ball

popped in front of the Indian second baseman, who bobbled it and

threw too late to get the runner at first. Gollhardt was able to

motor home on the play with the eventual winning run.

“I thought that we played good defense and we hit pretty well,”

Gomez said. “We just stranded too many players on base and we had

some problems on the bases.”

Burroughs stranded six runners.

The Indians scored the game’s first run in the second inning on

hits by Sara Budrick and Dennis, and an RBI-single by Rachel Ross.

Burroughs could have added to its lead in the third inning,

however, Hodgins was thrown out at home on a bunt by Rico.

The Indians had two more runners thrown out at second base.

The Lancers tied the score in the sixth inning on a run-scoring

single by Kath Bonja.

Regan (12-12) started in the circle and pitched well, going the

distance in a six-hit loss.

Hodgins was two for four with two stolen bases.

“It’s hard to see this team go,” Gomez said. “This is a real

special group and they have worked so hard this season. I’m going to

miss them.

“I’m just glad they were able to make it to the playoffs.”