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THEPRESS.NET
SPORTS
JUNE 3, 2011
Heritage outhits rival Freedom in playoff win by Justin Lafferty Staff Writer
One of the main storylines this season in Bay Valley Athletic League softball has been the budding rivalry between Heritage and Freedom high schools. The Patriots were able to challenge the Falcons’ stranglehold on the league title, claiming a co-championship this year. When the two teams met in the second round of the North Coast Section playoffs, a little more was at stake than just advancing to the next round. Fifth-seeded Heritage emerged victorious in a blustery 6-0 victory, moving on to its first semifinal game. “We did the little things,” Heritage head coach Ron Rivers said. “We had better focus on defense and we capitalized when we could.” What seemed to be a pitchers’ duel between Freedom sophomore Madison Williams and Patriots junior Lisa Rodrigues turned into a one-sided game in the third inning. Williams began the frame by giving up a hit and then hitting a batter. After an error at first base – a constant problem for the Falcons (17-8) on Friday – Williams gave up a two-run double to Heritage sophomore catcher Malia Rivers. Two batters later, senior right fielder Deni Yandell rapped out a single, driving home two more runs to make it 4-0. The Patriots (15-7) scored again the
Photos by Justin Lafferty
Above left, Heritage’s Deni Yandell raps out a hit in the Patriots’ playoff victory over Freedom. Freedom pitcher Madison Williams, above right, delivers a pitch during the Falcons’ second-round playoff game with Heritage. next inning when Williams hit junior second baseman Marissa Ortiz with the bases loaded. Rodrigues helped her own cause in the seventh inning by belting a home run over the left field fence. Rivers finished 2-for-3 with two RBI, a run and a stolen base. Yandell went 1-for-4 on the afternoon. Rodrigues was in control all day in the circle, giving up just four hits and striking out four. “My team really stepped up today,” Rodrigues said. “Now we have a chance to
move forward and actually take it all.” Despite Williams’ wildness – five hit batsmen – she was effective, managing to strike out 10 Patriots. Senior centerfielder Malena Padilla finished 1-for-3. Freedom head coach Jeff Jonas was not disappointed in his team’s effort in this game or this season. After losing several infielders to graduation, Jonas expected this year to be more of a transition for the fourth-seeded Falcons. Freedom was able to claim another league title, and Williams
will return to pitch for two more years, so the future is still bright. The team also returns talented players such as junior third baseman Brianna Simpson and sophomore catcher Iniki Kaleialii. “I’m so proud of these kids,” Jonas said. “To grind it out and be there at the end – that was huge. That showed a lot of character. It just shows their class. They dedicated themselves and they work hard.” For coverage of Heritage’s semifinal game against James Logan, visit www.thepress.net.