By Anh Thu Truong
In the last inning, senior and Drexel University commit Courtney Kols stands calm and poised at the center of the mound. Inside the dugout and across the field, her teammates rally her with loud cheers and encouragement. The field then silences — Kols winds up to drive forward and deliver a series of sharp, precise pitches to keep the Barons’ one-run lead through the remainder of the game.
Last week, the Lady Barons (2-0) swept Irvine High School with a score of 13-6 in their first non-league match. Continuing their momentum, the team clinched a victory over the Sunny Hills Lancers on Wednesday with a close score of 1-0 in their second preseason match.
Notable players included junior and San Diego State University commit Ella Kim who batted a great offensive game to score the Barons’ first run. On the defensive end, Kols delivered consistent and precise pitches, preventing any of the Lancers from scoring and advancing past first base — keeping the score in favor of the Barons.
Pinpoint reactions from first baseman and senior Natalie Loftist, who recorded several putouts out throughout the Barons’ defense, strengthened the team’s level of quick communication.
The bottom of the first inning proved crucial for the Barons, who secured their first and only run of the game. Junior Kyleigh Villalobos drove a single into center field, which then allowed Kim to later swing a double and land on second base. Kim’s hit allowed Villalobos to safely score the Barons’ first run, giving the Barons a lead for the rest of the game and keeping the Lancers on their toes.
From then on, the two teams faced a stalemate, where both sides were unable to score any additional runs without the defense stepping up to force their respective opponents out.
At the top of the sixth inning, the Lancers played a strong offensive game, yet the Lady Barons were able to fend off the Lancers’ advances around the bases. With a flyball soaring into midfield, senior Ava Fernandez made an impressive dive to catch the first crucial out.
Tension continued to mount when the Barons were on the brink of victory at 1-0, yet a Lancer stood prepared on second base to bolt at the next hit. The batter hit the ball directly to shortstop and senior Lola McCliman, who drilled the ball to Loftist on first base for the second out.
Right after, the Lancer on second base took off, yet was tagged out by Loftist’s quick throw to senior Andrea Maldonado on third base. This decisive play concluded the Lancers’ final time at bat with their third out, allowing the Barons to seal their victory with a smooth and well-coordinated effort.
Following the game, varsity head coach Saul Fernandez expressed optimism for the upcoming season and pride for his team following the close victory.
”I was really happy with our team’s performance today, they came out prepared and ready to play the game,” Saul Fernandez said. “It wasn’t an easy game, it was tough but both pitchers did a really good job on both sides. It was also a clean offensive game.”
Last year, a large chunk of the team consisted of seniors who had already graduated, forcing new and returning players to step up to the plate and command the field. The Barons are looking forward to strengthening their chemistry and juggling their strengths and weaknesses to create a cohesive team dynamic.
“Last season we graduated ten seniors, so we’re missing quite a few players. The biggest challenge we have is just learning how to play with each other, we just need everyone to buy into what we did last year,” Fernandez said.
With consecutive CIF-SS appearances in the last four years, the Barons are looking for a successful run in both the league championships and the annual CIF playoffs upcoming in May.
“It’s always a tough challenge playing in the Sunset League, it’s one of the best leagues in the county. But our girls are up for it, mentally, they’re ready to go,” Fernandez said. “There isn’t really any team out there that we aren’t ready for.”
The Barons’ first league game will be at home against the Marina Vikings on Thursday, Mar. 20. at 3:15 p.m.
