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Ripon Christian barely slips by Gustine softball Reds
GHS softball
Reds pitcher Anahi Alvarez (14) lunges as she finishes her pitch during her matchup against Ripon Christian. - photo by Alex Ramirez

The Gustine varsity softball duked it out with SAL League opponent Ripon Christian on Thursday, falling to the Knights 8-4. The Red’s gave the Knights a run for their efforts but Gustine’s record now stands at 2-6-1 for the season, with a 0-2 standing in the SAL league.

The Knight had a slight advantage. Both teams trading runs in the early innings, to what some would consider a close game by the third, 5-4. However, Ripon Christian pulled ahead with a strong performance in the fifth inning, securing the lead, 8-4.

Head coach Yolanda Gallichio expressed mixed feelings about the game, acknowledging the challenges faced with a lineup that included newcomers due to varsity players being at the FFA convention. 

“I wish we just turned around and did the hits earlier instead of later. But all in all, I think they did well. I’m proud of them,” said Gallichio.

Gallichio also highlighted missed opportunities and areas for improvement at batting. 

“There were a lot of opportunities. We had bases loaded, and we just didn’t connect to get them in there. Some girls are still struggling on hitting, but we’re working with it,” said Yolanda Gallichio.

Looking ahead to next week’s games, Gallichio remains hopeful for a turnaround with the return of her full squad. The trend has been like past weeks.

“Moving forward, with all my girls back, I’m expecting us to be really close to getting a couple of wins,” said Gallichio.

Pitcher Alexis Gallichio (1) mentioned her team’s ability to bounce back.

“I think we could have finished a little bit stronger and come out on top, but some games don’t work out like that. So next time, we’ll get it, we’ll be on top,” said Alexis Gallichio (1).

With upcoming matchups against Delhi and Mariposa County in the SAL League, followed by a tournament in Ceres, that the Gustine Reds are preparing for.

“I think our team has a good chance of winning and going out strong. We have chemistry in our team that, like when it counts, we do very well together,” Alexis Gallichio (1) commented.

Next week’s schedule includes an away game against Delhi, at Delhi, beginning at 4 p.m. on Monday. Then the Reds travel to Mariposa County, starting at 4 p.m. on Tuesday.