Huskies take first loss in conference play

OTHELLO — The Huskies softball team (7-5) dropped both of their games against the East Valley Red Devils in their doubleheader Friday. Othello lost 8-2 in game one and 9-5 in game two.  

Leading up to the doubleheader, the Huskies were undefeated in conference play, with a record of 6-0.  

“I was hoping that we would get a good lead and just hold it with our pitchers,” head coach Ceci Rodriguez said. “They were really good hitters ... they put the ball in play, and we couldn't do that.”  

In game one, Kaelee Valdez was at bat four times and recorded two hits, including one RBI. Lovie Franco was also at bat four times and tallied two hits. Senior Emi Pruneda was able to steal two bases in game one.  

However, the Red Devils were able to jump out with a lead early and maintain it despite two runs late in the game.  

In game two, the Huskies were able to put up two runs in the first inning and it looked like they were ready to bounce back from the first game. However, the Red Devils were able to score six total runs in the first two innings.  

Franco would tally two hits once again in game two, while Valdez would log another RBI.  

The lead slowly grew through the next few innings before the Huskies racked off three runs, but it was too late and the Red Devils would secure their second win of the day.  

Rodriguez was not shaken by the loss, she said; despite the Huskies being a younger team, she has always felt her team could perform.  

“They just have to believe in themselves,” she said. “I'm happy where we're at, they're actually getting better and learning the game as we go.” 

The Huskies will walk into another doubleheader tonight as they face the Ephrata Tigers (10-5).