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.”