Gallery • 29 Photos

J. Dollins

Elena Torrero fields the first of Rim's three hits in the first inning.

Colton, CA—Senior Night proved to be the best night of the year for the Colton Yellowjackets varsity softball squad. The Lady Yellowjackets showed up ready to play in front of the packed bleachers, and blew out Rim of the World 24-1.

This victory was an all-around team effort. After giving up one run in the first inning to Rim senior Lauren Navarro on a close call at home plate, the Yellowjackets put up 11 runs in the first and another 9 in the second to put the game completely out of reach for the visiting Fighting Scots.

Colton’s seniors made the most of their night, with all 12 making significant contributions in the victory. Most notable were catcher Giuliana Danovaro, who went 4-for-4 with 2 triples and 5 RBIs; starting pitcher Zerena Acevedo went 4-for-4 with a double and 3 RBIs; center fielder Elena Torrero hit 3-for-3 with 4 RBIs and 3 runs scored; third baseman Madison Barrera went 3-for-3 with two doubles; Alexia Castor went 2-for-3 with an RBI; and to put a capper on the game, Nalyn Hull hit a 2-run home run in her only plate appearance during the fourth inning.

On the mound, Acevedo pitched a strong two innings, only giving up one run on two hits with 3 strikeouts. In relief, Nalyn Hull finished the game, allowing one hit and striking out four.

The huge victory was the perfect ending for these seniors, who—CIF playoff bid notwithstanding—have just played their final home game for Colton High.

“This is something I’ve been looking forward to since I was a freshman,” said Jocelyn Alcala.

The Senior Night festivities took place after the game. The players and their families made a grand entrance through the inflatable Yellowjacket tunnel, then stopped at home plate where manager Chris Reyes presented each with a graduation stole. Gifts were presented by their underclassmen teammates.

“I’m feeling so excited,” said Zerena Acevedo. “It’s a bittersweet sadness that I get saying goodbye to my four years of memories.”

Susana Corbeton expressed a similar sentiment. “It’s a night of accomplishment,” she said. “Four years of hard work. Just a good feeling. I’m gonna miss playing with all my friends, meeting new people, and getting close to all the underclassmen.”

When asked about what they will remember most about this year and this team, most of the girls talked about their teammates and the good times. McKenzie Koperski shared, “They’ve really helped me. I’ve helped them. And we became like family. They’re like my second family.”

Feelings were mixed, as expected. Some, like Sydney Castro and Madison Barrera, were moved by the experience, but also excited about the future. “I’m really happy I finished all the way through,” Barrera shared about playing all four years of high school, “and I’m excited to start a new one after this chapter closes.”
Castro was glowing with excitement. “It’s a really big day for me. This is my last sport of the year—the last Senior Night of my high school career. It’s been a great day. I got to play on the field, I got to share these moments with my friends, and hopefully I’ll continue to get to play softball.”

If anyone on the team could sum up the fullness of the Senior Night experience, however, it had to be Alexia Castor, who said, “So many emotions. I’m just so glad to play with these girls. I’ve been playing with them since I was 10, you know? I’m sad it’s coming to an end.”