Girls’ varsity softball (10-9 overall, 5-6 Peninsula Athletic League Bay) beat Sequoia High School in a 10-0 victory on Tuesday, April 30, channeling the energy and excitement of senior night into a big win against the Ravens.
While the Panthers defeated Sequoia handily earlier this year, the squad brought full effort onto the field for the rematch. The athletes performed excellently, and the senior night celebration most definitely added motivation and excitement to the game. Burlingame didn’t mess around, jumping out to a lead with a multi-run first inning.
The squad maintained their dominance throughout all five innings at the plate and in the field. The Panthers kept scoring runs, with freshman Madeline Koo, juniors Giana Johnson, Naomi Leslie, and Amalia Alfers, and seniors Keira Parker and Olivia Fleming contributing hits. The team worked hard at the plate, earning multiple walks, including those by Lyons, Koo, and junior Hailey Miller. Additionally, Koo stole two bases with her immense speed and technique.
On the mound, Kasey Lyons pitched the entire game, throwing a no-hitter up until the fifth and final inning and keeping the Ravens off the scoreboard. Shortstop Fleming also contributed to defense with fantastic plays, quick catches, and throws, throughout the entire game, stopping the Ravens in their tracks.
For Lyons, this game was not only special because of senior night but also served as a time to look back on her years with the varsity team.
“I’ll probably take with me all the energy and the cheering, everyone’s very friendly on the team,” Lyons said. “And it’s really nice because years before, we’re not as good.”
On Tuesday, May 7, the Panthers are slated to take on San Mateo High School, followed by their last game of the season against Carlmont High School on Thursday, May 9.
Head coach Albert Del Rosso was extremely satisfied with the results but also focused on the intangible values of competing day in and day out with a team.
“Good teammates [and] friends,” said Del Rosso. “They’ll always have that. They’ll always have a bond from the team. And as they go into life and later on down the line and come back as alumni.”
