Claremont High’s softball team almost claimed victory at Cahuilla Park Wednesday. With the Wolfpack ahead, 6-4, and Ayala High School down to their last out in the seventh inning, junior pitcher Rosalie Keirns was focused on getting the last out.

But with one pop from the bat, the Bulldogs got the ball past freshman shortstop Katie Kempton, allowing two runs for a 6-6 tie, and stretching the game into extra innings. Further mishaps allowed the Bulldogs to win the game 8-6 in the ninth inning.

“We need to execute better,” Keirns said. “We can’t be afraid to do well.”

After two quick outs made by Keirns and a pop fly caught by junior catcher Brittany Attaway, it seemed the Wolfpack might be able to regain momentum when they went up to bat in the bottom of the eighth inning.  Senior second baseman Kiana Moreno battled it out with numerous foul balls, but Moreno remained alive and was able to get junior outfielder Chloe Amarilla to home plate.

After the Bulldogs scored three runs, making it 4-1 in the top of the fourth, Moreno was determined to get Kempton home from third base. One hard hit towards center field had the Bulldogs scrambling. Kempton ran in, bringing the score to 4-2.

Then Keirns hit a grounder past third base, and another successful hit was made by senior outfielder Anise Avalos. What sparked the Wolfpack surge was Moreno’s slide at home plate, just past Bulldog senior catcher Taylar Bryne.

Solid hits by Avalos and Attaway propelled the Wolfpack’s onslaught until they had a more comfortable lead at the end of the fourth inning, 6-4.

“A hit like that lights up the tone for everyone,” Moreno said. “It was a great chain reaction.”

However, neither Moreno nor the Wolfpack were able to add any runs in the eighth inning. Scenarios like these–including having nine runners on base in the first three innings—required better execution with runners in scoring position, according to Head Coach Vincent Hernandez.

“I think the girls are starting to understand their position in the team but the one thing they need to work on is executing when we have runners on (base),” Hernandez said. “That would have been a different game.”

Despite some defensive mishaps, whether it was missed dives or the ball landing on open field, the Wolfpack had fans gasping in excitement while watching Kempton and sophomore first baseman Jamie Woodward turn a double play. Amarilla made the first run for the Wolfpack in the first inning.

The Wolfpack now has an overall record of 6-7-1. While they prepare for their next game against South Hills High School Friday at 3:30 p.m., at Cahuilla Park, Keirns said her team is determined to qualify for CIF.

“We need to have our mindset saying, ‘I will do well. I want to be in this position,’” Keirns said.

Tennis continues strong play against tough opponents

The Wolfpack overpowered Charter Oak High School Tuesday at Claremont High School, 17-1. This was followed by another competitive win against the Huskies Wednesday at South Hills High School where it came down to the singles, 76-72.

In Wednesday’s game, the doubles teams were tied at 9-9, but the Wolfpack prevailed by four games after all scores were tallied, according to Head Coach Clint Rees. Sophomore Andrew Leahy made a strong impact for the Wolfpack, earning a total individual result of 18-1.

The Wolfpack will face the Chino Hills Huskies on April 22, 3:30 p.m., at Claremont High School.

Golf team gets another league win at Marshall Canyon

Claremont High’s golf team won against Wilson High School, 191-222, Tuesday at Marshall Canyon. The Wolfpack is tied for second in the Sierra League with a 6-2 record, according to Head Coach Terrance Lynch.

With the Wolfpack trio—sophomore Ben Whitham, 36, senior Avery Hernandez, 37 and junior Jonathan Yoo, 37—are continuing their strong play, they are now set to compete against Ayala High School April 24 at the Los Serranos Country Club in Chino Hills. The time is still being determined.

CHS baseball can’t keep pace with strong hitting Ayala

Wolfpack baseball lost against a talented Ayala High School team, 9-4, on Wednesday at Claremont High School. After managing only five hits compared to the Bulldogs’ 15, Claremont was unable to turn the game around in the seventh inning when the Bulldogs scored four runs to put the game away.

Claremont started strong in the third, leading 3-0, and then earned a run in the fourth, making it 4-2. But Ayala kept the pressure on in the late innings for the win. Head Coach Geoff Ranney said the Pack tried to pick themselves up, but Ayala put too much pressure on them.

“It was a ‘back-and-forth’ moment in the middle of the game,” Ranney said. “I think now the team understands what it takes mentally to finish in the late innings.”

The Wolfpack hopes to make a comeback Friday against Ayala at their stadium at 3:30 p.m. CHS now holds a 2-4 record within the Sierra League and a 3-14 record overall.

—Alex Forbess

sports@claremont-courier.com