Battling some of the best softball clubs in the state, Spirit of
Morgan Hill’s 12- and 10-and-under teams finished fourth in their
respective brackets last weekend at the Strawberry Jam Tournament
in Watsonville
WATSONVILLE — Battling some of the best softball clubs in the state, Spirit of Morgan Hill’s 12- and 10-and-under teams finished fourth in their respective brackets last weekend at the Strawberry Jam Tournament in Watsonville.
Though they fell short of winning the top prize, both local teams fought through chilly conditions and early deficits to reach the enter final day in the winners’ bracket, laying a strong foundation for the fall season.
The 12-year-old Spirit All-Stars were confident behind the pitching of Serena Cauror, whose fastball and improved changeup created a nightmare for batters. Teammate Saleen Hernandez was equally effective in the circle. Against the San Mateo Stompers, she struck out four in the last two innings.
Emerson Neet added to an MVP season with several key plays at shortstop, plus an on-base percentage of .500 in the four-game tournament.
Kylie Weeks’ versatile hitting kept opposing defenses on their toes, having to guard alleys while watching for bunts. Weeks broke up a no-hitter with a late single in her team’s second outing.
Sarah Machado had a strong tournament at second base. She led the Spirit defense with 13 putouts.
Kelli DesRochers set the tone for a thrilling final game, making a running catch in left field for the first out.
Teammates Alex Styczynski and Katrina Castronovo singled in Spirit’s opener against the Palo Alto Heat and scored on Liz Krall’s double. Cece Garza added four singles, reaching base in half of her plate appearances, and had a terrific weekend at first base.
Spirit played in the tournament without its talented starting shortstop Mimi Garza and one of its most consistent hitters, Mikayla Kirkman.
Like their counterparts, the 10-year-old Spirit All-Stars featured pitchers in Lindsay Baker and Nicole Reyes. The team received strong hitting from Julianne Camacho, who had three doubles and five RBIs, and reliable base-stealing by Karissa Lyles. Maddi Camacho’s superb bunting gave way to more runs.
Spirit entered the tournament expecting plenty of run production, but the team’s defense also impressed with solid play by Janelle Hoskins, Emma Peachey, Chloe Ikerd, Bella Morales, Ashley Burke, Aubrey Ayers and Kelli St. Clair.
Anna Sanchez’s ability to protect the plate kept Spirit in games.
