The Hollister Heat 12U girls softball team finished a strong
fall season with a first-place finish in the NSA Nor-Cal
championship games in Sacramento over Thanksgiving weekend.
In the five tournaments the team played during the season, the
Heat took second at Gilroy and first in two other tournaments.
Manager Leo Ibarra didn’t know if the team would be able to
compete in the three-day tournament in Sacramento because only nine
players were able to commit to playing over the weekend.
The Hollister Heat 12U girls softball team finished a strong fall season with a first-place finish in the NSA Nor-Cal championship games in Sacramento over Thanksgiving weekend.
In the five tournaments the team played during the season, the Heat took second at Gilroy and first in two other tournaments.
Manager Leo Ibarra didn’t know if the team would be able to compete in the three-day tournament in Sacramento because only nine players were able to commit to playing over the weekend.
The coaches decided they would make the trip if they could get one more player. Mary Hernandez was asked and agreed to go as a fill-in.
But the night before, the team was scheduled to go, Dana Serpa, the right fielder, came down with a fever and was unable to make the trip.
The coaches still decided to make the trip and hope for the best even with nine players.
The Heat won the early Friday morning game by dominating the California Crushers 8-0. In the next game against the Roseville Slammers, the teams battled to a 1-1 tie.
With the international tie-breaker rule in place, Roseville immediately took a two-run lead. But in the Heat’s half of the inning, Erica Sandoval hit a double to tie the score.
With the bases loaded, Kelsey Jackson, one of the Heat’s top hitters, worked the count full before being walked to force in the winning run.
“The girls never gave up,” Ibarra said. “They had a fire in them. The desire to win and achieve was building up.”
Marisa Ibarra took the mound for the Heat in the next game against the Stompers.
After a pep talk from the coach to his daughter and the rest of the team, the Heat came up with a 2-1 win.
Ibarra threw a no-hitter in the game. The only run came on an error in the first inning. Ibarra and catcher Lindsey Clay didn’t allow a runner after that.
Earlier in the season, the Heat lost 8-2 to the Stompers in a Salinas tournament.
The Heat was scheduled to again play the Stompers in the championship game. But just two batters in, the game had to be cancelled because of rain. The Heat were awarded the first-place trophy after being the only undefeated team in the tournament.
“These girls displayed tremendous heart and dedication,” Ibarra said. “We were blessed with girls that not only have the ability but also have the drive and determination to make the play. They worked hard and played flawless all season.”
