Photos by Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com
Del Norte ended a three-game losing streak in conference play with a pair of wins at Eureka on Saturday.
The Warriors own 8-1 and 8-4 in nine innings to go to 4-3 in the Big 5 and 11-6 overall, while the Loggers dropped to 3-4 sand 6-10.
Both teams remain well in contention for this year’s conference title in what is shaping up to a very competitive Big 5 this spring.
Sophomore Addi Whitford had a big day in the pitcher’s circle and at the plate, posting both wins and hitting a three-run home run in game two.
“Addi pitched good,” Del Norte head coach Aaron Healy said of the sophomore standout, who had nine strikeouts on the day. “She hit her spots.”
The Loggers were missing starting pitcher Mackenzie Wolff, who was sidelined with an injury.
In her absence, they managed just four hits in game one, including two by Violla Kingsang, who also had her team’s only RBI of the game.
Macy Secor and Ella Moxon each also had a hit in the loss.
Kylee Secor pitched game one for the home team, giving up just six hits but allowing 10 walks.
Game two was back and forth.
The Loggers led 3-1, before the Warriors took a one-run lead with three runs in the top of the fourth, only for the home team to tie things up again in the bottom half of that inning.
That was the end of the scoring until the top of the ninth, when Del Norte scored four runs.
Lola Distefano and Macy Secor led Eureka in game two with two hits each, while Kingsang, Bailey Brown, Tiffany Harris, Megan Secor and Ella Moxon each also had a base hit.
Distefano pitched all nine innings and also allowed just six hits, but walks continued to plague the home team with 13 in that game.
After losing two games to Fortuna on Monday and starting a Friday game against McKinleyville slowly, the Warriors have since picked up their game.
They closed out Friday’s game with five runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to almost complete a dramatic comeback, and would carry that momentum into Saturday’s doubleheader.
“It was a good positive turnaround from the Fortuna games,” Healy said. “I think we did a good job against McKinleyville.”
Several Del Norte players stepped up late on Friday and on Saturday to keep the team’s championship hopes alive.
In addition to Whitford, freshman Josephine Antonetti is settling in nicely at shortstop and looks set to play a key role there for the next few years.
“She’s making fewer mistakes and she’s doing things,” Healy said, “She really wants to do good.”
Senior Deja Travis has been every bit as impressive at second base and gives the Warriors a potent middle infield while also providing some necessary leadership there.
“Deja is that girl who always does her job,” Healy said. “She’s our leader in the infield. She leads by example.”
Junior catcher Natasha DeNicholas also has been impressing for the team and showcased her toughness on Saturday.
After being hit hard by a bat on Friday, DeNicholas was back behind the plate less than 24 hours later.
“She came back and played, and she did a very good job,” Healy said.
Likewise with senior outfielder Bella Arriola, who hit the ball well against McKinleyville and Eureka and has been rock solid in right field.
The outfield has been one of the Warriors’ strengths this season.
“I have a very good outfield,” the coach added. “I love my outfield.”
