Vikings softball falls in last home game of the season
By Drew StuartWestern’s softball team lost against Saint Martin’s University in a 3-2 game, marking the end of their doubleheader against the Saints.The loss allowed the Saints (19-14, 9-7 GNAC) to sweep the Vikings (12-26, 6-13 GNAC) in their doubleheader matchup on Monday, April 9.While the Saints came into the doubleheader with a better record, the Vikings proved to be a tenacious opponent to defeat.Junior pitcher Shearyna Labasan struck out three batters and gave up 10 hits over the course of the two-hour game.
Western freshman Hannah Matthews stands on Viking Field during a game against Saint Martin's on Monday, April 9. Matthews is from Huntington Beach, California. // Photo by Drew Stuart
Labasan went into the game knowing she needed to be flexible against the Saints, and described her mindset after the game.“I would say just mixing it up,” Labasan said.Labasan’s style allowed for three runs by the Saints, but the game was close throughout.Freshman Kira Doan, who pitched the entire first game, sympathized with Labasan situation.“They’re all really good hitters,” Doan said. “So it was about not letting them hit hard.”Labasan found herself with loaded bases at the top of the first inning, but a fly-ball to the outfield allowed the Vikings to escape without any runs scored.In the bottom of the second inning, Doan and Labasan were on third and second base respectively, but were unable to score.It wasn’t until the top of the third inning that any runs were scored. The Saints scored their first run on a hit to right field, allowing Saint Martin’s junior Lauren Diuco to score.However, the Vikings quickly responded. Labasan hit a double down the left-field line, and after stealing third base, scored a run for the Vikings after freshman Rylie Wales hit a single to center field.Unfortunately, the Saints scored an additional two runs the following inning. With the score now 3-1 in the top of the fourth inning, the Vikings needed to even the playing field.Labasan came through once again with a single to left field that plated freshman Lauren Lo.Labasan ended the game with a batting average of .405, getting a hit and both runs for the Vikings.Neither side could translate hits into runs in the final two innings. After a few quick exchanges of line drives and fly balls, the game was over.Doan expressed her thoughts on the team’s matchup after the game.“It’s a little frustrating,” Doan said. “Losses are tough, and we just gotta take this next week to work on our game and improve.”
