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By Andrew Luberda
After dropping their first game of the year last week, the Jr. Panthers’ softball team rebounded in a big way. They defeated Hayden Jr. High on Apr. 3, 22 – 7, and San Carlos Jr. High on Apr. 8, 18 – 8.
Head Coach Joseph Lopez said the offense continues to play very well and most teams don’t have an answer for the Jr. Panthers’ offensive firepower. The defense, on the other hand, is not at the same level.
“We’re still working and trying to find defense with a young team,” Lopez said.
In the game against Hayden last week, Alicia Arriola was the winning pitcher. Offensively, the Jr. Panthers were led by seventh graders Jalisa Murray and Analyses Juarez. Elizabeth Ochoa, an eighth grader, also performed well in the game.
The offense continued pouring it on versus San Carlos Jr. High on Monday. Coach Lopez said he is pleased with the offensive consistency and saw some defensive improvement in the game. “Our offense is firing like we need it to,” he said. “I liked the direction we are going on defense. We improved from the last game.”
Jalisa Murray was the winning pitcher. Alicia Arriola and Yuvithzia Romero were the offensive stars in the victory.
The Jr. Panthers will take on Mountain Vista Jr. High on Wednesday, Apr. 10, 2013, in a battle to determine second place. Both teams enter the contest with 5 – 1 records.
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