Struggling to stay at sixth place in the El Camino Division, Paly Varsity girls’ softball team finished its season with a close loss, 2-3, Wednesday to the Wilcox Chargers.

[THIS IS A BEGINNING JOURNALISM EXERCISE]

The Lady Vikes (8-15) started off slow in the first few innings, but with a strong bat by senior Anne Widera, the girls were able to make a close comeback late in the game.

“As seniors, it’s our job to come through in the clutch and drive home runs for the team,” Widera said.

Unfortunately, Widera’s hit did not give Widera herself enough time to make it safe to third base.

In the Vikings’ previous game against the Chargers this season, the girls were victorious in a 3-2 win. However in a Mission City Tournament game against Wilcox, the Vikings experienced a 0-1 loss to Wilcox.

At the start of the first inning, a solid fly on the third pitch hit by Wilcox sophomore Chrissy Montez gave time for Wilcox sophomore Elizabeth Foster and freshman Janae Grimes to run to home plate. Wilcox’s next batter freshman Molly Vivo struck the ball and the Vikings had a fielder’s choice. Vivo was tagged out, but Montez was left open to run home, changing the score to 0-3, Wilcox leading.

The Vikings quickly refocused going into the second inning. Freshman Kelly Jenks caught two consecutive strikes by Wilcox. With great throws to [Allie] Coleman at first base, the Lady Vikes hardly allowed any of the Chargers to reach first base during the third, fourth, and fifth innings.

In the bottom half of the fifth, the umpire called an infield fly on a strike by Paly freshman Kristen Dauler. Paly parents and supporters in the grandstands were angered at what they felt to be an unfair call by the umpire, claiming a Wilcox outfielder purposely dropped the ball.

Later in the sixth inning, the Vikings were on the verge of forfeiting when the umpire called for the fans in the grandstand to leave because he had heard unnecessary and inappropriate cheers. But the Vikings’ continued to strive to the very end.

“For the players, our one true job is the game,” Widera said. “It doesn’t matter what’s happening in the stands.”

At the end of sixth inning, Widera hit a fly in an open area far right of second base, scoring sophomore Allie Coleman and senior Marie Maniscalco, but Widera slid to third base a few seconds too late.

In the seventh inning, the Vikings fought to score again, but were unsuccessful.

Despite the final loss and disappointing season, every member of the team left the field with smiles on their faces, as coach Danny Valencia congratulated and told stories of graduating seniors and co-captains Maniscalco, Cory, Widera, and Barich.

“These girls have a lot of heart,” Valencia said. “They know when to kick it in gear.”

Although this season’s record was disappointing, the Vikings have high hopes for next year.

“My expectations are high [for next year] because we have an amazing group of freshmen,” sophomore Pamela Wong said.