Infielder Michelle Cervantes struck a two RBI hit that kicked off the playoff season with a 2-0 win for the Vikings against Bakersfield College on Friday.
The game is the first in a best of three series, with the Vikings set to play against Bakersfield on Saturday at 12 p.m. to see who advances to the second round of regionals.
While Bakersfield were able to load the bases in the third inning, they were unable to score any runs.
Pitcher Hailey Harris pitched a complete game and collected eight strikeouts, one being made while bases were loaded.
“I’ve always been the type of pitcher that loves moments of pressure… I kind of got amped up, and it allowed me to kind of rise up to the occasion. So that was a lot of fun getting out of that,” Harris said.
In the following inning, the defense showed its skill with infielder Haleigh Jacobs taking a full dive for the ball which kept the fast pace of the game going.
“Having the defense I have behind me, Haleigh Jacobs is insane, Gonzo, our center fielder, I know that they have my back, so I know I can let them put the ball in play if I have to, I wasn’t worried,” Harris said.
Catcher Zara Mineo getting ready for the next inning. Mineo and the Vikings won 2-0 in the first playoff game against Bakersfield. (Bella Schultz)
Second baseman Alesa Gonzalez stole second base and moved to third after Sienna Rievely singled. Rievely also proceeded to steal second base to set up for Cervantes’ hit in the fifth inning.
“My past tries at bat, I didn’t get my job done, I could’ve done better… I knew it was my moment to go up there and do it for my team, bringing those two runs because I know those girls have my back and that they’re counting on me,” Cervantes said.
The Vikings closed the remaining two innings with ease and prevented Bakersfield from even reaching first base after the two runs.
Head coach Megan Martinez sent out her appreciation for all 22 of her players and was proud of the discipline shown by the team.
“It took a little while to get the offense going, but it’s to be expected…Michille struggled her first two at bats but she really stayed true to herself and pounded the ball when we needed those runs,” Martinez said.