YOUR AD HERE »

Warrior softball season kicks off Saturday

Staff report
Sylas Wright / Sierra Sun

They’re still slugging it out in the preseason, but the Whittell girls are off to a winning start.

The softball team is now 6-3 in preseason after a 15-5 mercy-rule win against Mineral County on Wednesday. Coach Dave Galicia fully expects strong pitching and a tough lineup to lead the girls back into the postseason this year. Whittell will play its league opener against South Tahoe on Saturday.

“We have a large team this season with the addition of seven freshmen mixed in with experienced veterans,” coach Dave Galicia said. “Our coaching staff is top notch with assistant coaches Rich Barna and Jody Sayre. Once again, I expect to be in zone finals with a great chance to be in the state tournament.”



Key players who the Warriors graduated last season are outfielder Nina Jimenez, first base Jesse Sayre and infielder Megan Miller, who led the league last season in stolen bases.

But this year’s seniors are stepping up. Key players this year will be Brianna Brewer at third base, pitcher Amanda Harris, catcher Emily Harris and infielder Katie Besson, who has already proven to be an offensive powerhouse for the Warriors.



Elizabeth Anderson, Tait Andrews, Jordyn Becker, Brianna Brewer, Margaret Dean, Mariah Elliott, Kendal Ferris, Kelsey Kjer, Madison Malone, Gianna Miller, Jasmine Munn, Dominique Ogilvie, Daria Sharon, Nicki Simon and Sarah Tencher round out the varsity roster.

Working out preseason kinks

The girls squared off against Lovelock at the Silver Stage High School crossover tournament on Friday, March 15.

In the first inning, Whittell scored two runs and held Lovelock scoreless through the third inning. Costly errors, however, allowed Lovelock to take a 5-2 lead in the fourth.

In the top of the fifth inning, with two runners on, Whittell’s Katie Besson blasted a three-run homerun to tie the game. In the bottom of the fifth inning, however, Lovelock was able to get a runner in scoring position and a timely single brought in the winning run.

Besson led the Warriors with two hits followed by Gianna Miller, Emily Harris and Kendal Ferris. Amanda Harris allowed five hits while striking out two.

On Saturday, the Warriors faced last year’s state champions, Yerington. In the second inning both teams were able to bring one run across the plate.

The tie was short-lived though, as Yerington capitalized on some fielding miscues in the third inning that resulted in six runs. The reigning state champs held the Warriors scoreless to secure the 7-1 win.

The girls redeemed themselves that afternoon against tournament host, Silver Stage High School.

In the first inning, Whittell brought in four runs and was able to keep the scoring pressure on for the duration of the game, securing a 9-5 win. Besson again led the Warriors at the plate, going 2-for-2 with a double. Miller added a 1-for-2 plate performance with a double. Amanda Harris stuck out five batters and allowed five hits.

UP NEXT: A Saturday doubleheader versus South Tahoe at Lampe Park. Game times 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.


Support Local Journalism

Support Local Journalism

Readers around the Lake Tahoe Basin and beyond make the Tahoe Tribune's work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism.

Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.

Your donation will help us continue to cover COVID-19 and our other vital local news.