'Cat sluggers knock off Viewpoint, 7-3

The Wildcat softball team (11-4 overall, 5-0 Condor League) upset fifth-ranked CIF-SS Viewpoint (11-4, 7-0), 7-3, at Villanova last Thursday.

The Wildcat offense was led by three of the teams' most consistent offensive stars, including first baseman, Tiffany Adams, whose current batting average is .545. She went two for three on the day. 'Cat catcher Sydney Malkin, whose current batting average is .552, also had two hits, driving in two teammates. Third baseman Connelly Jenks, whose current batting average is .605, went two for three as well, with an RBI and one scored run. Pitcher Whitney Jenks allowed only two hits and struck out six, picking up her 11th win of the year.

Viewpoint jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning. The Wildcats responded with a run in the bottom of the inning. Connelly Jenks singled up the middle and stole second and third. Courtney Ralston slapped a hard shot to the right side, scoring Jenks.

Viewpoint scored another run in the third and Villanova responded with two runs. Again, Connelly Jenks singled and stole second, and then Ralston singled up the middle to score Jenks. Ralston stole second and third and scored on a wild pitch.

The Wildcats scored three more runs in the bottom of the fourth. Adams started the inning with a base hit down the third base line. Kaitlyn Kirby followed with a base hit to the left side. Adams and Kirby both advanced on stolen bases. Mary Wiggins then walked, loading the bases. 'Cat Jessica Campbell hit a sharp line drive up the middle.
The Viewpoint pitcher made a spectacular play and threw Adams out at home. Katie Parziale slapped a single to the right side, scoring Kirby. Malkin singled up the middle, scoring Wiggins, and Connelly Jenks sacrificed, scoring Jessica Campbell. At the top of the fifth, Villanova led, 6-2.

Viewpoint responded with a run in the fifth inning. The Wildcats sealed the victory, scoring another run in the sixth when Katie Parziale bunted, stole second and then third. Malkin lined a single and Parziale scored.

This is the second time this season the Wildcats have beaten a highly ranked team. Coach Bob Malkin said this was the best game his team has played all season, adding that "Viewpoint is a very good program. We raised our level of play and came away with a big win for our program."

The Wildcats wrap up regular season play this week with three games. They played Vasquez at home Tuesday (results were unavailable as of press time). Thursday will find Villanova playing Cornerstone Christian, which is currently 11-2 and 4-1 in league play.

A victory against Cornerstone could mean the first Wildcat Condor League Championship and undefeated season in the school's history.

© 2003 The Ojai Valley News

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