SHS softball opens league season with tie

The Shafter High softball team opened its SSL season with a 0-0 tie against Chavez High School. This game was a pitcher's duel, with both teams finding it hard to find some offense.

The Lady Generals then competed in the Fowler Softball Tournament, opening with a game against highly touted Orange Cove. The Lady Generals fought hard, but came up short in the contest, dropping the game by a score of 5-2.

The loss drops Shafter's season record to 9-4-1.

Coached by Sharaya Durant and Julia Garcia, the squad is looking to hit its stride with the SSL season heating up. The Lady Generals have been good on defense, with a stingy infield and some strong pitching by Maddison Ortiz and Tatiana Angulo. This gives the Lady Generals good options, having a strong right handed pitcher in Ortiz and a lefty in Angulo. The offense has been led by Ortiz, Chris Torres and Marley Munoz, who have had multiple two and three hit games.

Shafter will be battling South Sequoia League foes Taft and Wasco for the South Sequoia League title. According to Durant, the team is gearing up at the right time and is looking for many ways to win.

"We are excited about the team that we have this season," she said. "The SSL continues to get stronger every year. We're looking forward to getting better and competing each day."

The Lady Generals will be in action in the SSL on Tuesday, April 2, when they face off against McFarland. They also play the Cougars again on Thursday, April 4.