May 5, 2023
Finals Bound: Warriors Overcome Morning Hurdle
By Francisco Claudio
The Warriors battled until the very end and would not be denied a chance to take part in the final of the Cal Pac Softball Championships on Friday.
But it wasn't easy as Westcliff lost their first game against Embry-Riddle, 9-0.
It was an earlier start than the previous day and the conditions weren't ideal for either team as the wind became a factor as the innings went on.
Westcliff had a tough time finding their rhythm and wasn't able to get on the scoreboard as the game ended after five innings.
Now the Warriors found themselves in a single elimination game against Park-Gilbert, with the winner going on to face Embry-Riddle in the final.
But Westcliff would not be denied, as they showed tremendous fighting spirit and the ability to bounce back after facing adversity.
Warriors in every aspect of that term.
"The team got a fire under their butts to come back stronger and respond after a hard loss from the first game," said Head Coach Vanessa Kellems. "The team is motivated to make adjustments and prove themselves that they deserve to be in the championship.
"It was also a big thing for us to come out strong against Park since we had some close games with them in the conference season."
All-Conference Cal Pac Outfielder Haley Garcia was huge on both the offensive and defensive ends.
Garcia landed the first blow with a triple to the right field that brought in 2 RBI.
"Haley has always been an amazing defender," said Kellems. "We worked on increasing her reaction time and increasing her range in the outfield.
"She's evolved even as a freshman and become a force to reckon with. At the plate, we've worked with her to become more diverse and what has impressed me is how coachable she is and how she can obtain any information we provide her and run with it so quickly."
The Warriors would extend their lead in the top of the third after successful hits from Diamond Lewis, Siana San Vicente, and Iyari Ramirez reaching first on a fielder's choice.
Westcliff was up 5-2, after completing three innings.
They scored one more run in the top of the fifth and allowed one run from Park-Gilbert in the bottom of the sixth.
After seven innings, it was the Warriors who were cheering and celebrating with a final score of 6-3, which meant they would go on to compete in the championship game on Friday against Embry-Riddle.
Starting pitcher Nina Hendriks continued her stellar playoff run by pitching the first two innings and only allowing one hit.
Sierra Danna would come in for Hendriks in the third and pitch the whole inning but had two runs scored which brought in Hendriks again at the bottom of the fourth.
From here on out Hendriks was lights out as she pitched a total of six innings and recorded four strikeouts with only two hits and one run allowed.
"Nina has always had great speed," said Kellems. "But she's really focusing on her spin and movement this season, which has made her highly effective as her speed has increased.
"What makes her such a force to reckon with is her versatility to choose between pitchers and the confidence she has in her pitches."
It was a team effort as many of the Warriors had solid performances.
Lauren Coppla finished 4-for-4, with one run scored.
Airilin Ramirez finished 2-for-3, with one run scored and an RBI.
San Vicente went 2-for-4.
Now the Warriors have fought their way into the championship game against Embry-Riddle that is scheduled for Friday morning.
Westcliff will have to beat the Eagles twice if they want to be the last team standing, lifting the Cal Pac Championships trophy.
"We told the team to take it inning by inning and pitch by pitch even though we might have to play two games with Emery Riddle," said Kellems. "The first game is critical and winning will make a big impact on shifting the momentum our way."
The first pitch is set for 11 AM.