San Benito pitcher Marisa Ibarra dominates, striking out a
combined 33 batters in three games last weekend
SALINAS
The San Benito High softball team got off to a strong start this past weekend at the Circle of Champions Tournament in Salinas, where the Lady ‘Balers opened the season with three victories against Los Gatos, Westmont and Soquel.
The start was so good, in fact, San Benito earned the No. 1 seed heading into the Gold Division bracket next weekend, joining Notre Dame of Salinas, Presentation, Carlmont, Leigh and either Evergreen Valley or Gilroy.
“We’re real young and I was pleasantly surprised with how they performed,” San Benito manager Scott Smith said.
San Benito’s roster includes four sophomores and four freshman, three of whom started for the Lady ‘Balers, including freshman catcher Marissa Adame.
Last year’s catcher, Jessica Vest, moved to her natural position at shortstop this year, leaving a hole behind the plate.
“But [Adame’s] doing a great job,” Smith said. “It was a blessing to get this kid. She’s been tremendous, and defensively, she’s been phenomenal.”
The shorthanded Lady ‘Balers were also without a few players last weekend who are currently competing on the girls basketball team. Nevertheless, San Benito was anchored by senior pitcher Marisa Ibarra, who through three games, allowed five combined hits and zero runs.
And she struck out a combined 33 batters.
“She’s doing good,” Smith said simply.
Offensively, San Benito set the tone early in each of their three games, scoring 13 of their 19 total runs in the first inning.
The Lady ‘Balers won’t return to the Circle of Champions Tournament at the Salinas Sports Complex until Friday. In the meantime, San Benito will visit Burlingame on Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.
SAN BENITO 6, LOS GATOS 0
San Benito jumped out to a four-run lead in the first inning en route to a 6-0 victory against Los Gatos on Friday at the Salinas Sports Complex.
Ibarra pitched a complete game, allowing just two hits while striking out nine. Senior JC Clayton led the Lady ‘Balers at the plate, going 3-for-4.
San Benito loaded the bases in the first inning after Clayton and Marissa Morise singled before a Jessica Vest walk, and freshman Taylor Powell smacked a two-run double that plated Clayton and Morise.
Jessica Steigleman then followed with a two-run single down the right field line to give the Lady ‘Balers an early 4-0 lead after one inning.
Later in the sixth, San Benito used the long ball to pad their lead as Gina Norman connected on a two-run homer to make it 6-0.
SAN BENITO 9, WESTMONT 0
Once again, San Benito jumped on their opponent early, plating five runs in the first inning in what turned out to a be a 9-0 victory over Westmont on Saturday.
The five-run first was more than enough for Ibarra as well, who again pitched a complete game, allowing just two hits while striking out 11.
Clayton and Morise led off the first with singles when Vest connected on a two-run double, followed by another RBI double from Steigleman. Brittany Hoff then delivered an RBI single, scoring Steigleman, while Norman then connected on an infield single to plate Hoff.
Clayton, who was 3-for-4 in the game, blasted a two-run homer in the fifth to give the Lady ‘Balers a commanding 7-0 lead.
Vest was 2-for-4 in the game and Steigleman was 2-for-3 with a pair of doubles.
SAN BENITO 4, SOQUEL 0
Ibarra struck out 13 batters in a one-hit complete game shutout of Soquel on Saturday, when San Benito picked up its third win of the tournament with a 4-0 victory against the Knights.
And Ibarra received all the run support she’d need in the first inning when the Lady ‘Balers scored three times.
Clayton led off the game with a single and stole second, while Vest then followed with a base on balls before Powell connected for an RBI single. Steigleman then popped a two-run double to make it 3-0 after one inning.
