Royal ladies come back for fastpitch win

ROYAL CITY - After an 8-5 setback in the first game, Royal took the second game of a SCAC East fastpitch doubleheader at Kiona-Benton last Saturday.

The split keeps Royal's SCAC East record level at 3-3 and the Knights in position to work their way into the district tournament.

"The girls continue to improve," coach Robyn Valdez said.

Samantha Dunn pitched two complete games, six innings in the first, seven in the second.

"We had one error and allowed three unearned runs, giving Ki-Be the upper hand," Valdez said.

The Knights were limited to four hits, all singles by Flor Araujo, Kailee Harris, sophomore Jenny Ledezma and sophomore Savanna Buster.

"We struggled to put the ball in play where there wasn't a defender standing." Valdez said. "They were a beatable team, and we would have really liked to take both games."

The Knights were more aggressive and efficient on offense in the second game. There were eight hits, seven walks and eight runs batted in.

McDarra vonStein legged out a triple and Ashley Valle slugged a double.

Ledezma was nearly perfect in her eight plate appearances over both games. She knocked two hits and walked five times. She was on base more than any other player.

"We still didn't play a completely clean defensive game but had a lot more fun and were more relaxed during the second game," Valdez said.

Dunn had six strikeouts to offset seven combined walks or hit batsmen.

"She's doing an awesome job as a freshman and makes us more and more excited for the future of our program every time we play," Valdez said.

The girls will travel do Burbank on Saturday for a SCAC East doubleheader with the Coyotes.