Against the pitching of Pacifica High’s Hannah Boos, the Cypress High softball team needed to play a disciplined game. While, Boos was solid all game, the Centurions had a chance to put some on the Mariners, but ran into trouble.
Trailing 2-0, in the third, the Centurions had runners on first and second with no outs. When catcher Dejah Mulipola caught the runner off second base, the Centurions were let off the hook when the ball was dropped on the tag, leaving Cypress with runners on second and third with no outs.
But when Mulipola again caught the runner at second with a throw behind her, the Centurions tried to score, only to get tagged out at home. It was a pivotal moment that kept the Mariners in control. Cypress coach John Felicetti said his team was trying to pressure the defense, but underestimated the arm of Mulipola.
“We got away with it once, we didn’t get away with it the second time,” Felicetti said.
Despite the loss, the Centurions like their progress and potential to finish the season strong as they eye a CIF-SS playoff berth. The Centurions were able to get five hits against Boos, including two from sophomore first baseman Brianna Gargano. Marissa Wightman, Katie Arce and sophomore Jessica Martinez each had hits.
After the Mariners scored two runs in the first inning, Cypress pitcher Maddy Byrd pitched a strong game in relief. The Centurions bounced back from the loss with a 5-0 win over Valencia on Thursday.
Jessica Martinez drove in two runs, while Arce, Byrd and senior Jenelle Martinez each drove in a run. The win keeps the Centurions one game behind the Mariners, who will be tough to dethrone for the league title. Felicetti also expects the race for the top three spots in league to be tight. And he likes his team’s chances.
“We just have to play smarter,” Felicetti said.
The Centurions hosted Tustin on Thursday April 28 at 3:15 p.m. and hosted Western on May 3, also at 3:15 p.m. They play at Pacifica on May 5, at 3:15 p.m.