Softball team loses two pitchers
The Lady Bulldog softball team opened its season by participating in the Cougar Classic at Kit Carson Park in Escondido. The Lady Dawgs beat Mira Mesa and lost to Helix, El Camino and Mission Hills.
The Lady Bulldogs lost their top two returning pitchers from last season before the first pitch of the 2009 season was thrown. Marti Sanchez is out with a shoulder injury and Kristen Tenwolde suffered a knee injury during practice.
The Lady Dawgs lost to Helix in the opening game of the tourney 8-2. Kellsie Domnitz got the start on the mound and took the loss. Domnitz went two innings before giving way to Kelly deGraff. DeGraff went the final four innings and gave up one run on one hit and struck out five.
Ramona collected eight hits. Lexi Slater went 2-for-4 with an RBI. Allie Ferguson also had a multiple hit game going 2-for-3. KK Melgoza was 1-for-3 with an RBI. Tory Roberts, Courtney Fick, Ashley Brean and Cassie Ford also hit safely for the Lady bulldogs.
In the second game of the tourney, Ramona dropped a pitchers battle to El Camino 2-1. DeGraff went the distance and gave up two runs in six innings with five Ks.
Stephanie Kiesel went 2-for-3. Courtney Fick blasted the first home run of the season for Ramona’s only score. Ally Harvey picked up her first varsity hit by stroking a pinch-hit single.
The Lady Dawgs beat Mira Mesa 7-1. DeGraff went the distance on the mound and gave up one run on three hits while fanning five. DeGraff took a no-hitter into the fifth inning as she was in complete control.
Melgoza went 3-for-4. Slater was 2-for-3 with two RBI. Domnitz was 1-for3 with two RBI. Allie Ferguson drove in one run and was 1-for-3. Stephanie Kiesel also had an RBI and was 1-for-3.
The Lady Bulldogs lost to Mission Hills in the bottom of the seventh inning 5-4 to end the Cougar Classic. DeGraff got the start and left the game after working four and two-thirds innings with a blister. Domnitz relieved deGraff and lost on an unearned run.
Kiesel had a big day at the plate going 3-for-3 with an RBI. Ferguson, Melgoza and Brean also stroked hits for the Lady Dawgs.
“We got better in every game,” said Coach Mike Schuler. “After a slow start in the first game, we had an opportunity to win in every game. I am pleased with the way we are coming together as a team.”