SALINAS VALLEY — Winning two divisional games last week kept the Gonzales Spartans softball team just one game back of Cypress-leading Greenfield.
Gonzales won 16-5 at home against Anzar, and completed the sweep of the Hawks by winning 11-1 on the road.
“Everyone has contributed to everything we are doing,” said Spartans head coach Jimmy Carrillo. “We have individuals that have stood out, but at one point or another, everyone has had their moment to shine. Right now we are in second place behind Greenfield.”
According to Carrillo, the offense has been spearheaded by the bats of Marianne Camarena (15 hits, 15 walks, 27 runs scored), Angelina Navarro (20-plus hits, six home runs), Karisma Cabada (10 hits) and Cherish Yebra (10 hits). Viviana Ruacho has been a standout at pitcher, with Yebra as her batterymate.
Alizah Garcia joined the team at the middle of the season after having knee surgery and has contributed with 10 hits.
In between the games with Anzar, the Spartans played a non-league game at King City and were beaten by a 21-3 score.
The Mustangs took a 12-1 advantage in the bottom of the second to overwhelm Gonzales. Alizah Carillo earned the pitching win with a one-hitter, while allowing just three runs and striking out eight batters.
Amity Hearne led King City with three hits, including a double and a home run. Janesa Lopez had two hits with two runs batted in, and Avery Munoz had three hits, including a double.
Navarro had a home run for the only Gonzales hit.
King City completed the week with a 6-1 loss in San Jose to Pioneer High. Lopez, Carrillo and Paramo each had a hit for King City.
In games this week, King City hosted Monte Vista Christian on Tuesday, plays at North County on Thursday and travels to Carmel on Saturday.
Gonzales has just one game this week, hosting the Santa Catalina Cougars on Thursday afternoon.
Greenfield’s only game of the week was April 16, defeating host Seaside 25-5.
Yara Hernandez had two hits, including a double and an RBI. Aaliyah Pedraza had a triple with an RBI, Krystal Nunez had a hit and an RBI, and Karina Garcia had a double and an RBI. Chloe Zavala earned the pitching win.
The Bruins will host Pajaro Valley on April 30 and play at Marina on May 2.
Soledad is 4-4 in the Mission Division and 7-5 overall.
On April 17, the Aztecs defeated the Rancho San Juan Trailblazers 16-6. Aubrey Esparza led Soledad with four hits, Jaquie Hernandez had two hits with a home run and a single and Sophia Gonzalez hit a double and one RBI.
The Aztecs play at Pacific Grove on Thursday for their only game of the week.
