Banning Struggles Against Citrus Valley

Spring Break took its toll on Banning High’s softball team this week.

A handful of players went on spring break with their families – that group included three starters – and the result was a forgettable practice on Monday and a rough outing during Tuesday’s 13-2 loss to Citrus Hills.

“We only had seven players out for practice and we had a horrible practice,” Banning Coach Maso Lara said. “We brought some girls up from the J.V. team but it was not a good practice at all.”

And it wasn’t a good game for the Cougars either. Banning is struggling to remain in contention for the Mountain Valley League’s final playoff spot and trail both Rim of the World and Norte Dame in the league standings. Both teams were 4-2 in the MVL prior to Tuesday’s game.

Banning dropped to 2-5 in the MVL and to 6-8 on the season.

“If we can come back and get Rim and Norte Dame, we will be right there for third place,” Coach Lara said.

Cougar’s pitcher Laura Becerra spent the game adjusting to a few adjustments in her wind up. Citrus Valley took advantage of her struggles as well as some soft defensive play in the outfield.

“This was the first game with new mechanics and you could tell she was not totally adjusted with her new pitching style,” Coach Lara said.

Citrus Valley opened the game with two runs in the opening inning. Banning made it  2-1 in the bottom half when Becerra singled in Andrea Villegas. Citrus Valley then took a 5-1 lead in the third. But the Broncos responded in their half of the inning when Villegas’ sacrifice-grounder brought in Felicity McCafferty to make it a 5-2 game.

But Citrus Valley ran away with it from there, outscoring the Broncos 8-1 over the next three innings.

“We will come back and practice hard and keep playing hard,” Coach Lara said.

Becerra had the one hit and one RBI. Villegas was 2 for 3 with the two runs scored.

Banning plays Rim of the World on Thursday.