Mixed results for TC in softball opener
By Dennis McCall
Taft Midway Driller
Thu Feb 04, 2010, 11:53 AM PST

Taft College got mixed results in its softball opener Tuesday against the visiting Hartnell College Panthers.
The Cougars got off to a shaky start, giving up six runs on 10 hits in the first two innings before dropping the opener of a doubleheader, 7-0.
But the second game was different with the teams struggling to a 5-all tie after eight innings.  The game was called on account of darkness.

“It was actually a pretty good day for us even though we didn’t get the result we wanted,” said head coach Stefanie Walsh.  “We have a really young team that found some success on the field as they got a taste of college level competition.”

After the shaky first-game start the Cougars settled down and managed to handcuff the Panthers the rest of the way thanks to some solid pitching from Mersades Cruz.
“Mersades did a phenomenal job in a tough situation,” Walsh said.

She opened the second game, then gave way to Allie Carrigan, who started the first game.

“It was the first time Allie was in a position to throw hard since injuring her toe,” Walsh said.  “She struggled in the first game, but came back with a strong performance in the second game.  She really turned things around.”

What made Walsh even happier with Carrigan’s performance was the line drive homerun she jacked over the left field fence in the second game.
It could have been a game-winner.  The Cougars had a runner picked off first base just before Carrigan’s bash.
“In high school she rarely got to bat,” Walsh said.  “She’s our No. 9 hitter.”

In the opening game the Cougars managed only one hit off Cat Pierah, a second-inning double by Courtney Nyetrae.
Kelcey Viliamu tripled down the right field line to drive in the run that tied the game at 5, but was thrown out at the plate trying to stretch the hit into an inside-the-park homer.
Nyetrae had an RBI triple that drove in shortstop Amber Si’u, who had two singles on the day.
Megan Smith also had two singles.

The Cougars don’t play until next Thursday when they travel to Los Altos Hills for a doubleheader with Foothill College.
Walsh plans to use that time to shore up weaknesses that were evident against Hartnell.
“We know what we need to work on.  Those games gave us an opportunity to see the negative things.  I’m really encouraged.”
The tie was the first one Walsh has been involved with in 24 years as a player and coach.
“I really don’t know how to feel about it.”

She does know how she’ll feel when the Cougars get their first win.

. Head Coach: Stefanie Walsh Superintendent/President: William Duncan Assistant Coach:  Ryan Wigley Vice President of Student Services: Brock McMurray Pitching Coach:  Aja Scheuber Athletic Director: Kanoe Bandy Athletic Trainer: Bruce Ferguson Athletic Secretary: Jennifer Edmaiston