Coyotes Scoreless in Softball Matchup Against Royal

No one enjoys losing, especially the members of the Calabasas High softball team.

Thing is, the group hasn't had much success winning this season.  

Such was the case again Tuesday afternoon as the Coyotes traveled to Simi Valley for a game against Royal.

And although they played well in spurts, the end result was a familiar one, a 6-0 loss in a Marmonte League game.  

"We expected some ups and downs this year, but honestly, we have had some really tough times,'' Calabasas coach Barbara Hofer said. "The thing that pleases me most about these girls is that they never give up, regardless of the situation.''  

There's no shame in losing to Royal (19-5 overall and 9-2 in league), which sits in second place behind league front-runner Simi Valley (22-2, 10-1).

The Coyotes (5-15, 0-11) also went up against Nancy Bowling, one of Ventura County's top pitchers, who boasts a 16-2 record and a 0.38 ERA.  

"Nancy is one of the best in the business,'' Royal coach Bill Dushon said. "When she's on the mound, we feel like we can beat just about anyone.''  

She was on top of her game against Calabasas. Bowling dominated and ended up with a complete game, highlighted by 16 strikeouts.  

The only batter to have any success against her was Lauren Oda, who broke up Bowling's no-hit bid with a base hit in the top of the seventh.  

"Thank goodness we had Lauren today,'' Hofer said.  

Bowling's counterpart, Taylor Gunther, didn't fare as well. She did go the distance for the Coyotes, but gave up eight hits.

Royal scored three runs in the bottom of the first inning and added a pair of runs in the second inning.

The Highlanders added an insurance run in the fourth.  

"Our league is competitive and that's forced my girls to learn things the hard way,'' Hofer said. "Today is a great example. Nancy Bowling goes out and pitches great. Give these girls some credit, they didn't back down. They never back down.''  

There's no denying that the losses have mounted at an alarming rate for the Coyotes. The last time they won a game was March 27.

Interestingly, they managed to win twice that afternoon, first defeating Bell Gardens 14-0 and then South Gate 6-2.  

All the while, the desire to turn things around has never wavered.

"Our focus is growing and maturing as a team. Every game is a learning experience,'' Hofer said. "The best part about coaching this group is they never walk around with their heads down. They refuse to give up and always give a great effort.''