Softball concluded the 2022 campaign with a run-rule, victory over Santa Barbara, 10-0 in five innings. The Cougars and Vaqueros entered the game tied for 4th place in the Western State Conference and today's victory left Cuesta alone in 4th place in the 7-team circuit. The two rivals split their season series, as the Vaqueros beat the Cougars, 9-8, in 8 innings in their first meeting in Santa Barbara at the end of March. After a short ceremony to recognize the sophomores from both Cuesta and Santa Barbara City, the Cougars got to work. Cuesta Pitcher Jillian Davis set down the first nine Vaqueros she faced, while her offense lit up the scoreboard. The Cougars took the lead for good in their first at bat on an RBI-single by Leftfielder Emily Valdez but didn't put the game out of reach until the 4th inning. The Cougars held a 4-0 lead going into the 4th frame and went through three SBCC pitchers en route to a six-run inning to blow open the contest. Davis, with the benefit of a double-digit lead, was lifted in the 5th inning for Pitcher Leea Brown, who allowed one hit, before ending the game on double-pay to close out a combined 2-hit, shutout. Davis and Brown faced only 16 Vaqueros over five innings, just one more than the minimum for a 15-out contest. On offense, Valdez led the way by going 3-for-3 with two runs scored, two drive in, and stealing two bases. Her partner out in the pasture, Centerfielder Mara Mazanec also enjoyed a multi-hit, multi-steal game. Mazanec went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and two stolen bases. The Cougars finished the season 14-23 overall and 5-7 in the WSC.
The Western State Conference will announce Softball's Awards after the conclusion of the post-season.
Picture (L-R)- Head Coach Jenel Guadagno, Assistant Dayna Manser, Leea Brown, Madelyn Mata, Katelin Eccles, Megan Ingle, Jillian Davis, Assistant Ted Rich.
