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Warriors reach softball playoffs

Fallbrook High School's 2021 softball season ended June 7 with a playoff loss against Sage Creek.

The Warriors had a 2-16 regular-season record and lost all 10 Valley League games. The power rankings which are based on strength of schedule as well as win-loss record seeded Fallbrook 12th among Division IV teams, giving the Warriors their first playoff berth since 2014 and a first-round game at fifth-seeded Sage Creek.

"There was a lot of growth that happened," said Fallbrook coach Lisa Stehle. "I'm pleased with the growth I saw with the team."

Fallbrook's April 14 game at Sage Creek was a 21-2 Bobcats triumph. The game lasted 4 1/2 innings due to the 10-run mercy rule.

In the June 7 playoff game, Sage Creek eliminated Fallbrook with a 4-3 victory. The score was 3-3 entering the bottom of the seventh inning.

"That's an extremely positive sign," Stehle said. "To go toe to toe with them says your team has done a lot."

Fallbrook scored twice in the top of the first before the Bobcats scored one run in the third and rounded the bases twice in the fourth. A Fallbrook run in the top of the fifth tied the game.

Baylee Howley had two singles and a double in her three at-bats, scored twice, and stole a base. Howley was also Fallbrook's starting pitcher; in five innings she allowed three hits and five walks while striking out five Bobcats. None of the runs she allowed were earned. Alexis Perez had two hits in four at bats, scored once, drove in one run, and stole one base.

Howley and Perez were both juniors. The 2021 roster included four juniors. Mia Blankenship, who was not a starter, was Fallbrook's only senior.

"Half of our team were freshmen," Stehle said. "Out of the 14 girls, seven of them were freshmen and at least five of them were starting every game."

The Warriors' previous playoff game was also a walkoff loss. On May 27, 2014, Cathedral Catholic scored a run in the bottom of the ninth for a 2-1 victory against Fallbrook. The Warriors were in the Division I playoffs that year.

"We saw a lot of growth, and that's a very positive thing," Stehle said. "Next year we'll build on that."

The next CIF season will take place in 2022. Stehle has plans to initiate a fall league for incoming freshmen and student-athletes in higher grade levels. "They can continue to play and hone their skills," Stehle said.

Author Bio

Joe Naiman, Writer

Joe Naiman has been writing for the Village News since 2001

 

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