Colton, CA—Last season, the Yellowjacket softball team’s season came to an abrupt end. They placed second in league and did not make it past the first round in CIF playoffs. Now it’s a new season and with that a fresh start.
This season began with a 13-6 victory over Moreno Valley on Monday.
On the first pitch of the game Andrea Varela hit a big home run. “It felt great hitting my first home run my sophomore year,” said Varela. “I’ve been waiting for this and I’m glad it came. I had to just trust the process.” Varela finished the game 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs to go along with her home run.
This put Colton up 1-0. Moreno Valley took the lead in the top of the second with two runs, but Colton erupted for six runs in the bottom of the second and never looked back.
In addition to Varela, freshman Sadie Rodriguez went 3-for-4, including a double. And junior Desiree Armenta also picked up three hits.
Senior Stephanie De La Cruz hit a two-run home run.
On the mound, Varela was also the starter, pitching a complete game. She gave up four earned runs on six hits, and struck out nine batters against three walks. It was a strong performance for the sophomore.
Although the Yellowjackets took the win, they still face many complications, with a few of the starters facing injuries.
Senior Jasmine De La Rosa, who did start at second base, is in the process of coming back from injury. “Before coming into the game I had nerves about how my injury was gonna affect how I play,” she said. “But once I was on the field the nerves and worries went away and once again I felt the confidence come back and I knew my first game of my senior year was going to be good. And I can’t wait to see what this season has for me.”
The Yellowjackets’ next game is on Wednesday, Feb. 19 against the Serrano Diamondbacks. Game time is at 3:15 p.m.
