Beeville, Tx- Wednesday, May 1st not only marked the beginning of a new month, but the regular season finale for the Coastal Bend softball program. The Cougars hosted the Laredo Community College Palominos for a Region XIV Conference doubleheader.
Game one was a bit of a roller coaster ride with both teams taking the lead from eachother. Runs were easy to come by, as both teams combined for a total of 21 runs during the game. CBC was right in the game until the end, but LCC pulled away late in a 12-9 victory.
Amanda Aguirre started in the circle for the Cougars. She allowed five hits and eight runs over four and a third innings. Kirstyn Gomez threw two and two-thirds innings in relief. Gomez gave up four hits and three earned runs during her outing.
The Cougars got things started in the first inning, when Ashley Soto homered on the first pitch of the at bat, scoring two runs.
After Laredo Community College scored one run in the top of the second, CBC answered with one of their own. The Palominos scored one run off a Single to close the gap.
LCC went on to score two runs in the Top of the Third and two more runs in the Top of the Fourth inning to lead CBC, 5-3.
Coastal Bend tallied four runs in the Bottom of the Fourth inning. Emily Michki, Kirstie Soto, and Avery Hearn all drove in runs during the inning as the Cougars reclaimed the lead, 7-5.
Laredo Community College was down 7-5 in the top of the fifth inning when a Palomino batter homered, scoring three runs to take a 8-7 lead. The Palominos werent finished there, as they had a runner cross the plate to go up, 9-7.
After a scoreless Fifth inning for CBC, they kept LCC off the scoreboard in the Top half of the Sixth. The Cougars scored one run in the Bottom half of the inning, but still trailed, 9-8.
The Palominos expanded their lead in the Top of the Seventh by scoring three runs to lead, 12-8. Coastal Bend fought hard until the last out, rallying with one run to fall short of a comeback, 12-9.
The Cougars collected 15 hits on the day. Emily Michki, Britney Garcia, Ashley Soto, Kirstie Soto and Vanessa Garces all collected multiple hits for the game. Michki led the team with four hits in five plate appearances. Ashley Soto lead the team in RBI's with three, while Michki and Hearn both recored two RBI's. Kirstie Soto pencilled in one RBI for the Cougars.
Game Two
Amanda Aguire appeared on the rubber once again for Coastal Bend. She allowed three hits and four runs over one and two-thirds innings, striking out one.
After holding Laredo to a scoreless First inning, Coastal Bend jumped out to a four run lead in the bottom half of the inning.
The Palominos tied the game up in the Top of the Second inning, when CBC gave up four runs in the frame. CBC would be held off the scoreboard in bottom portion of the inning.
Kirstyn Gomez entered the game to replace Aguirre in the circle. Gomez went on to pitch four and two thirds of an inning, giving up five hits, three earned runs while striking out two batters.
LCC took a 5-4 lead in the Top of the Third.
It was not until the Bottom of the Fourth inning when Coastal Bend was able to get back on the scoreboard. The Cougars erupted for a seven run inning to take an 11-5 lead.
Following a scoreless Fifth inning, CBC increased their lead by one run in the Bottom of the Sixth to go ahead, 12-5.
The Palominos scored two runs in the Top of the Seventh and threatened to score more. Pitcher, Devon Parsons came into the game to relieve Gomez. LCC had their rally cut short as the Cougars closed the game out to win, 12-7. Parson finished the game pitching two thirds of an inning.
Second Baseman, Avery Hearn recorded a Double and a Home Run to go with her four RBI's. Catcher, Ashley Soto and Felicity Mata both collected a Double and two RBI's for the game. Shortstop Kirstie Soto, Designated Player, Annette Cardenas and Center Fielder, Vanessa Garces each recorded an RBI for their stat line. Cardenas also hit a Double for the Cougars. Third Baseman, Emily Michki knocked in two Singles during the game two.