Royal girls start league season with two wins

ROYAL CITY - The Royal High School girls started the South Central A Conference East softball season on the right foot Saturday, stopping Kiona-Benton, 9-5 and 9-4.

"During both games, the girls showed excellent focus and determination," coach Robyn Valdez said. "They came out aggressive at the plate and on the bases."

And the defense was superb.

The Royal girls were not shaken at all when the leadoff hitter for Ki-Be started the game with a thundering blow that landed her on third base. They did not give up the run.

Royal's defensive excellence continued throughout both games. There were two double plays in the first game, both the result of catching runners off of base after fly ball outs.

The first was made by Sam Cera, who saved Royal a run by catching a Bears runner who forgot to tag up at third. The second was made by Kayla Smith who caught a high foul ball and tagged her base before the runner was able to get back.

Seila Jenks was in the pitching circle for all 14 innings, facing 55 batters. She had eight strikeouts and six walks.

"We could nickname her Hoover because she vacuumed up anything that came close to her and made an out."

Royal's offense was just as good as its defense. Tahlia Ledezma was 7-for-10 for the day, setting the tone for the rest of the team. She was followed closely by Sam Eilers, who went 5-for-8 for the day, scoring four runs.

"All of the girls showed amazing discipline at the plate, drawing walks whenever possible and moving runners at every chance," Valdez said. "We are looking forward to an awesome season."