Softball team enters league play with 9-2-1 record

By Bill Tamburrino

Ramona High’s softball team took most of the spring break off from games, but when they finally hit the diamond they showed why they are among the elite teams in the CIF.

Ramona beat Vista in the quarterfinals of the Falcon Fiesta and lost in the semifinals to eventual champion West Hills in a game that was decided by a great play by the tournament MVP, pitcher Noelle Johnson of West Hills.

Johnson and Ramona’s Kailey Hill locked up in a pitcher’s battle in the semifinal game at Torrey Pines High School. West Hills scored two runs in the bottom of the first inning and then the scoreboard began to look like an Easter egg hunt as both pitchers hung eggs on the board.

Amber Davis got Ramona on the board in the sixth inning when she drove in Jazmin Simone, who had reached on a single with a double.

In the seventh inning, the Lady Dawgs again mounted a rally. Adrianna Johnson doubled and Megan Wright followed with a single. Megan’s twin, Kenzie, then hit the hardest ball of the inning, a line drive that headed for center field.

At first it appeared that the game would be tied or that Ramona would take the lead. Noelle Johnson made a leaping grab on the ball and came down with it. She then had the presence of mind to throw to third base and double off Adrianna Johnson. The play changed the momentum of the game, and Noelle Johnson hung on for the win.

Both pitchers only gave up five hits in the game. Hill struck out seven members of the Wolf Pack in the game.

“We can take this game and build on it going into Palomar League play,” said Coach Antoinette Rodriquez. “We made some adjustments at the plate but we have to make those adjustments the second time through the lineup instead of the third. We are ready to start league play.”

Ramona played its way into the semifinals of the Falcon Fiesta Softball Tournament by beating Vista High 12-5. After getting off to a shaky start by giving up three runs in the first inning, Ward settled down and picked up the win. She gave up five runs on 11 hits and struck out five.

Amber Davis’ bat remained hot as the sophomore led the Lady Bulldog offense with a 3-for-4 outing with a home run, two runs scored and four RBIs. Kenzie Wright also had a 3-for-4 outing with an RBI.

Hill and KK Melgoza both went 2-for-4 and scored two runs apiece. Hill drove in two runs and Melgoza had one RBI. Adrianna Johnson, Ward, Christina Barrameda, and Micaela Fields all had one hit apiece as the Lady Dawgs stroked 14 hits.

Ramona will enter Palomar League action with a 9-2-1 record.

“We are playing very good softball right now,” said Assistant Coach Robin Brainard. “We have played a tough schedule. It should be very exciting in the Palomar League.”