Monday afternoon’s softball matchup between the Fremont Firebirds and the Santa Clara Bruins was a bit of an exorcism of demons for the visitors. Despite a talented roster, the Firebirds have found themselves winless in the De Anza League this season.
The Fremont squad has been extremely unlucky. Five of its 11 losses have been by just a single run with two others by just two and three runs, respectively. With even average luck, the Firebirds would likely have won as many league games as the Bruins have won (four) in the El Camino league.
Regardless of the fact this was a late-season, non-league game between A league and B league teams, both sides got a lot out of this one. Fremont not only ended its five-game losing streak, but it also managed to get its reserve players experience getting on base and knocking in runs.
With just one game remaining on the schedule, Fremont Head Coach Hector Zuno wanted to give credit to his assistant coaches for the work they have put in this season.
“I have to tip my cap to my assistants Linda Zuno and Mary Zimmer for the development of our younger players,” chimed the Firebirds’ Skipper. “The majority of our younger players have never played softball before and there they were making an impact in the game.”
The younger players got valuable experience after the starters did their thing early in the game. Rory Yau led things off for the Firebirds at the plate and in the pitcher’s circle. She singled to open the game and then tripled in her third at bat for an RBI. On the slab she held the Bruins scoreless for the first four innings.
Second place hitter Alexia Sanchez also had an impressive two-way performance. The third baseman made a nice play on a hard hit grounder and at the plate singled and doubled with an RBI.
“It felt great to win after a five-game losing streak,” noted Fremont shortstop Jiyah Caban. “It has been a tough season, but every single game we have given 100%. It was great to see the younger girls perform against Santa Clara and our program to grow for next year.”
Not only does the future look bright for the Firebirds, but it also looks bright for the Bruins.
Monday’s game remained close in the first three innings, and during that span, Santa Clara sophomore Cita Chavez launched a double to left-center field that initially looked like it had a chance to go for a home run.
Freshmen Genevieve Valdez and Averie Lopez also connected with solid line drive hits against Yau, showing nice adjustments at the plate.
Also starring for the Bruins against Fremont was Malana Dinwiddie. The first baseman walked and then immediately stole second and third in the second inning.
The Bruins will be saying goodbye to her this season, though, as the senior is set to graduate in 2024.
Santa Clara will wrap up its season with one more game against Saratoga on May 9.
Fremont, meanwhile, finishes up tonight, May 8 against Homestead.