A Santa Barbara High comeback fell a run short against New Trier of Illinois at the Coach Bob Baseball Tournament in Phoenix, Ariz., on Tuesday.
The Dons lost a 7-6 decision, but coach Steve Schuck was excited how the team battled after falling behind 6-0 in the first inning.
“The way we competed was what the coaches and I have been waiting for,” he said. “It would have been really easy to fold the tent after the first. Instead, they responded after getting punched in the mouth. They were like a bunch of junkyard dogs with a bone. They learned a lot about themselves today.”
Kaden Spencer made his varsity debut and New Trier capitalized on his nervousness. But Schuck was confident his young pitcher settle down.
“I knew if he could get through the first that he would settle down and work things out,” said Schuck. “I have been waiting to see him pitch for a month and I wasn’t taking him out. I wasn’t going to give him a life-raft. He had to find it in himself and he did.”
Spencer pitched four more innings and didn’t allow a hit or walk and struck out five.
“What he did in the last four innings is what I thought he would do. Nothing fazed him or the team. It was a great performance,” said Schuck.
Santa Barbara cut the deficit to 7-5 in the bottom of the seventh “and just ran out of outs,” said Schuck.
Dane Dawson had three hits and a walk to lead the Dons. Kai Mault went 2 for 3 with a two-run double, Tanner Trider had a pair of two-strike hits and a walk and Jetner Welch had a hard-hit single.
“He is starting to feel it,” said Schuck.
Softball
Bishop Diego had a tough time with the top of the Foothill Tech batting order and dropped a 4-2 decision in a Tri-Valley League softball game on Tuesday.
The first four hitters combined for six hits and all four runs. The No. 3 hitter had three RBIs.
Tessa Johansen went 3-for-3, with two doubles, a RBI and run scored for the Cardinals. Lauren Weeks went 2-4 with a RBI. Lucy Plowman went 2-3.
Beach Volleyball
Jayden Jones filled in at the No. 1 position for Dos Pueblos and she and Lucy Speier didn’t miss a beat as they swept their Buena opponents in a 4-1 Channel League victory for the Chargers on Tuesday.
“We were short handed today and we had a couple girls step up big for us, Jayden playing at the ones, and Layla (McQuiggan) and Hallie (Rillie) at the fours,” said coach Mike Fitzgerald.
Dos Pueblos improved to 5-0 in league and 9-0 on the season.
Dos Pueblos scores:
1’s Lucy Speier and Jayden Jones won 2-0
2’s Makeila Cervantes and Maddy Jones lost 1-2
3’s Malia Brofferio and Addison Low won 2-1
4’s Layla McQuiggan and Hallie Riley won 2-0
5’s Katie Sitolini and Addison Todd won 2-0
Santa Ynez 3, Mission Prep 0
Santa Ynez Beach Volleyball remained undefeated in league play with a sweep of Mission Prep 3-0.
“Gianna Pecile and Kaki Allen continue to play dominantly against some very strong 1’s teams,” said coach Melissa Rogers. “Hannah Allen and Cailin Glover are playing the most consistent volleyball that they have ever played as a team. Their growth in their partnership on the court has been fun to watch.
“Sadie Lishman is my crafty veteran, leading and supporting a young and talented Helina Pecile at the 3’s. I am fortunate in having some depth this season. My 4’s pair, Ashley Martin and Halle Swanson are undefeated in dual play this year.”