Agoura Charges to Victory With Solid Defense

SOFTBALL

• The Agoura Chargers battled the Thousand Oaks Lancers in league play  Thursday afternoon. The Chargers wasted no time scoring three runs in the third inning. Agoura's team was anchored with strong play by McKenna Sikich, who went 2-4 with a run scored, and Liana Moss who went 2-3 with a double. Agoura's Kelsey Brodsky also had a key RBI single. Thousand Oaks came back, posting one run in the fourth and sixth innings. With a score of 4-2 and bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh inning, Agoura was able to put away Thousand Oaks with a forced grounder to first. Stephanie Lord pitched another complete game, allowing only six hits and two runs in seven innings. Defense was the key to Agoura's victory in this game. With this 4-2 league win, Agoura improves its overall record, 10-9, and league record, 5-4. 
• On Wednesday, Agoura also began tournament play at the Michelle Carew Classic in Anaheim. They went 1-1, splitting the first two games. In their first game, they battled the Esperanza Aztecs, who were ranked No. 1 in the tournament. Agoura made a very interesting and close game out of it, until they let the score get away from them in the last few innings. The final score was 8-0 in favor of Esperanza. Ashley Kellenberger pitched the entire game. In the second game, they challenged the Long Beach Wilson Bruins and handily beat them, 8-1. Stephanie Lord picked up the win, striking out seven and allowing only five hits. Agoura Chargers Jamie DePippo, Makenna Sikich and Sydney Werdesheim each recorded two hits. Agoura will continue tournament play on Friday at 5:30 p.m. and then again on Saturday when they head back to Anaheim.

BASEBALL

• On Wednesday, the Calabasas Coyotes edged out the Agoura Chargers in a close league game. Agoura grabbed an early lead, 2-1, but Calabasas stormed back, putting up three in the third inning, making the score 4-2. The Chargers battled hard and tied the game after three innings. According to Agoura team manager Alex Bhattacharya, both teams squandered scoring opportunities until Calabasas scored the winning run in extra innings. The final score was 5-4 in favor of the Coyotes. Agoura's current record is 5-9 overall and 3-6 in league play. Their next league game is Friday against the Pioneers of Simi Valley at 3:30 p.m. 

GIRLS SWIMMING

• After being chosen female athlete of the week, Shannyn Hultin continued posting strong performances when Agoura hosted Thousand Oaks in a Wednesday swim meet. Hultin won the 200 IM with an impressive time of 2:09.57. She also contributed to two team wins for Agoura in the 200 medley relay (1:58.93) and the 400 free relay (3:55.82). Megan Linder won the 200 free with a time of 2:05.25 and the 100 free with a time of 56.84. Claire Palmer contributed by winning the 50 free with a time of 26.00. Emily Smith, won the 500 free with a time of 5:44.47 and captured the 100 backstroke with a time of 1:07.62. The final overall score was 97-73 in favor of Agoura.  The next girls swim meet is scheduled for April 27 against the Calabasas Coyotes.

BOYS GOLF

• Agoura continued tournament play Thursday when it traveled to Tierra Rejada golf course. The team will resume league match play on April 27 at Soule Park golf course against the Westlake Warriors.

BOYS TENNIS

• The Chargers had a tough outing Thursday against the Thousand Oaks Lancers. Thousand Oaks swept the singles matches, 9-0. Even with injuries creating obstacles, Agoura was able to keep each set extremely close. Three sets ended in extra games. Agoura had better luck in doubles play where it went 4-5. Extra games and injuries played a part in the doubles matches as well. Agoura had strong performances by Eric Fridstein and Dennis Neymit, who paired together to win two sets. Also, Jake Kelman and Andy Turk played exceptionally well, winning both of their paired sets. Agoura's current overall record is 6-8 and 4-7 in league play. The team travels next to Newbury Park to play the Panthers on April 26.

BOYS LACROSSE

• The team looks to avenge its only loss in league play when it travels to challenge its rivals, the Oak Park Eagles, Friday at 8 p.m.

GIRLS LACROSSE

• Agoura lost a very close game Wednesday to the Palisades Dolphins, 11-10. The team will look to get back on track when it travels to face the Cate Rams on Friday at 4 p.m.