‘The Little Engine that Could, and Did’ - Westridge Softball makes it to CIF Finals

Westridge Softball had a groundbreaking season, playing in the CIF-SS Division Final game this past week. Even though they came out the runner-up with a final score of 3-0, this team has shown amazing dedication and talent throughout the season, ending the year with a 13-8 record.

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The CIF-SS final game was tough, as the team faced fielding errors that could have prevented scoring for their opponents, Western Christian. Despite these errors, the team had a very successful season, with Hailey Y.,’22, freshman pitcher leading the charge. She finished the season with 214 strikeouts, and was very excited to play at the CIF finals her first year.

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“I’m excited but also really sad because it’s our last game, and all the seniors are leaving,” Hailey said at the pep rally hosted the afternoon before the big game. Clearly the team is very close and has supported each other a lot during this exciting season.

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“To have the dedication and the progress the girls have made individually, and then of course to have Hailey, our freshman pitcher, take us under her wing and take us all away has been beyond words,” said Coach Horn. She was so proud to see the softball team defy expectations and come this far.

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“It was surreal going into CIFs, and I couldn’t believe we made it this far! I had a great time!” said freshman player Sonaya V.,’22.  

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The team was especially proud and excited after their victory in the semifinals against rival, Mayfield Senior School.

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“We are the the little engine that could--and DID,” said Coach Karen following the game. They called this game the “showdown in Rosetown,” and the Tigers held strong through all the innings, even when Mayfield threatened to make a comeback.

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In preparation for the finals, the team made shirts that read #whynotus because of their unexpected rise all the way to the top.

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“Now we are a force to be reckoned with, we got here just like all the other teams,” Coach Karen said at the pep rally, “so, why not us?”

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This season Tiger Softball proved they are a force to be reckoned with, and the entire community will be watching to see the exciting energy they return with next year!