First baseman Anaya Togia hit a single to score two runs and a solo home run in game two of the second round of the 3C2A playoffs on Saturday but lost 4-3 to El Camino after extending the game an extra inning.
Game one was played on Friday, and the Vikings put up a close game but still struggled to get past El Camino’s offense.
“Yesterday we knew that we didn’t play our own game so today we came in just thinking we had to play to our own level,” center fielder Alesa Gonzalez said.
The Vikings struck first in game two with two RBI runs scored, putting the Vikings up 2-0 in the top of the third inning.
El Camino answered right back in the bottom of the third inning scoring three runs and putting them in the lead 3-2.
The Vikings weren’t done yet as they put on one more run to tie the game in the top of the fifth with a home run hit by Togia.
It wasn’t until the bottom of the eighth inning when El Camino was able to get an RBI run to score, winning the game and ending the Viking’s postseason run.
The Vikings didn’t make it to the next round, but they did bring home a conference championship for the first time in 22 years.
“We just didn’t take advantage of opportunities and we didn’t stick to our plan but overall super proud of the program and where it’s come to a conference championship for the first time in 22 years is a big deal so we hold our heads up high and live to fight another day next year,” head coach Megan Martinez said.
During the offseason, the team plans to focus on getting well-rested, more time in the batting cages and building up more strength overall.
“Just hitting in the cage like normal and practicing as much as I can to come back stronger,” outfielder Lala Asi said.
Despite the loss, the Vikings had a great season, finishing 38-6 overall and winning a conference championship.