Softball opens league play with two losses

Ramona’s Lady Bulldogs opened Valley League play with two losses on their home diamond as they lost to league favorite Mount Carmel and to San Marcos. The Lady Dawgs are 4-8 on the year and 0-2 in league action.

Mount Carmel pounded out nine hits in the first inning of the Valley League opener and went on to beat the Lady Bulldog softball team 15-6. The Lady Sundevils recorded 16 hits in the game.

Nikki Barba had a CIF record breaking day as she went 4-for-4 with three home runs, a triple and nine RBI.

Courtney Fick hit a solo home run in the second inning. Fick hit a line shot over the center field fence.

Ally Harvey went 1-for-2. Lexi Slater and Allie Ferguson both turned in 1-3 performances at the plate.

Stephanie Kiesel was 1-for-4. Tory Roberts drove in one run.

Kelly deGraff started and took the loss. Ally Harvey pitched six and two-thirds in relief.

Ramona’s pitching and defense improved greatly, but the Lady Bulldogs could not come up with a clutch hit as they lost to San Marcos 3-1 at home.

The Lady Dawgs had their chances but could not come up with a key hit as they stranded seven base runners, four in scoring position.

San Marcos scored a run in the top of the first inning to take a lead. Ramona tied the score in the bottom of the frame. K.K. Melgoza led off the game with the first of her two singles. Slater doubled with one out. Stephanie Kiesel drove in K.K. to tie the game.

DeGraff started the game and pitched well as she took the loss. Harvey threw three scoreless innings in relief.

Allie Ferguson and Kiesel also contributed hits in the game.

The Lady Dawgs go on the road to Las Vegas for spring break and will return to Valley League action on the road against Orange Glen on April 14.