The Ripon Indians softball team is a hardworking and dedicated group who are surely going to go far in their season. These girls have been working since the beginning of February to guarantee their success and to have good team chemistry. And currently, they are first place in the TVL (Trans Valley League) with a 7-1 record and the overall record being 10-7.
For their preseason games, it took the Lady Indians a handful of time to feel comfortable with each other on the field.This was due to players temporarily gone due to winter sports and new faces on the field but eventually they figured it out. For their beginning games, they played teams that are in higher divisions such as Manteca High, Kimball and Linden. Linden was their closest game, only losing by an inning followed by errors. Eventually, they connected on the field and now they are as strong as possible on the field.
With their season starting they kicked it off by playing Orestimba, who is new to the TVL. The final of the game was 3-4. This gave them the confidence necessary to a winning team. As their season progressed, they continued their winning streak for their first six games, going undefeated in the first half of their season.
Their most difficult game of the season was surely against the Hughson Huskies. This game went into extra innings with a tie which was eventually broken by senior Abby Stewart and the winning run scored by junior Addison Naranjo. This game was the ultimate tiebreaker for who took the title of first place in the league. And while this title cant be procured until the end of the season, it surely speaks a lot on the field.
As the second half of season began the Indians once again faced Orestimba but this time the tables turned. The Indians scored the first run of the game giving them an 0-1 advantage but this was quickly overturned by the Warriors scoring two more runs off of errors and one earned run. Typically, this would dampen a team’s spirits to lose to a team they have previously beaten and has now broken their winning streak but the Indians were unfazed. They quickly stood up, dusted off their cleats, and got back on the field. They then faced Escalon with a final score of 7-4, Sonora (10-0), and their most recent game being Hilmar (18-2).
The lady Indians have taken their losses and learned something from them and they are now applying them to the game. Due to their almost undefeated season they have officially clinched a spot in the playoffs and also have won a share of the league title. Currently, the Indians have two games left in season. Their second to last game against Sonora and their final game against Hughson who is tied with Ripon for the league title.
Overall, the Lady Indians have had a great season and have come back from many setbacks and lessons learned on the field. Their final game of their season will most definitely be one that turns heads. This game being the one that decides who will take the league title and the previous game against this team was a battle that lasted nine innings going back and forth fighting for the win. Both teams have talent and one will have to take the title home. Come out and support the Lady Indians as they battle for the league title and as they continue through playoffs!
