In Wednesday’s 29-1 Valley Oak League softball shellacking of visiting Sierra, East Union had multiple big bats, but none any bigger than Izabelle Reyes.
The Lancers junior came off the bench go 2-for-2 with a grand-slam home run, a double and six RBI to highlight a 13-hit outing by East Union.
“It was very exciting,” Reyes said. “The whole team was hyping me up about being confident at the box. I could hear cheering during the at-bat, so hitting the home run just boosted everyone’s conference.”
The Timberwolves (0-6 VOL, 3-8 overall) looked to do some damage in the fourth inning when they loaded the bases with no outs, only for Lancers catcher Jacey Jauregui to pick off the Sierra runner at third.
“She was getting off really far at third,” Jauregui said. “So we were able to back-door her.”
Fallon Norman started in the circle for East Union (2-3, 6-8) and pitched three no-hit innings.
“I struggled a little throwing strikes,” Norman said. “I tied to remind myself that my defense was backing me up, and they were there the whole game.
“I was just trying to throw strikes and stay ahead in the count the best I could.”
Mikayla Simpson went 2-for-3 with four RBI and five runs for the Lancers. Norman and Lily Pickering were both 2-for-3 with three RBI and two runs. Caliyah Lopez (two runs), Izabella Avalos (run) and Jaregui (run) each knocked in two runs. Sara Dutra (three runs), Savanna Lopez (two runs) and Eli Flores (two runs) each added an RBI. East Union drew 19 walks and had five batters hit by a pitch.
“This is a game that we were coming in expecting to win.” Lancers coach Dylan DeBrouwer said. “My message to the girls was to make sure they came out with energy, focus and aggressiveness.
“From the beginning, we were trying to get a lead and continue to add on from that point. The girls did a good job. They were aggressive in the box, they had good plate discipline, put some good swings on some balls, and that allowed us to be aggressive on the bases.”
East Union opens the St. Mary’s Tournament today at Arnaiz Field in Stockton against Monterey Trail at 3 p.m. and Sierra hosts Central Catholic on Tuesday at 4 p.m.
