Tigers continue winning ways; begin WYL softball season Tuesday against Hanford West

MaxPreps 2018 Softball Schedule

The Tigers improved to 4-2 and will begin their assault on the West Yosemite League with a home game against Hanford West on Tuesday, March 20 at 4:30 p.m. However, the Tigers’ Spring Break looms, and a surging Lemoore team will spend much of their break in the Tulare Union Softball Tournament which begins March 24 with a game against Atascadero.

Megan VanAllen rounds third as Coach Ewing waves her home.

Bill Burris, Lemooresports.com

Dinuba entered Thursday’s game with a perfect 8-0 record but left with its first loss and scratching their collective heads as to what happened.

What happened was a Tiger team operating on cylinders, collecting 11 hits, helping starting pitcher Ashtyn Lucas earn the win. She went the distance Thursday, allowing just five hits and striking out a pair of Emperors. She gave up a walk.

“This was a complete team effort,” said Tiger Coach Dione Ewing. I was really proud of all of them. They’re working really hard, and it’s paying off.”

Leading the Tiger offensive charge was Shelly Jobe, who led the Tigers with a pair of hits, two runs, and an RBI. “Shelly Jobe is a hitting machine right now,” said Ewing. “She is one of the hardest working players on the team, and I’m so happy for her.”

Ewing had high praise of others. “Ashtyn Lucas pitched another great game for us. She just keeps getting stronger and more confident as we go along. It’s fun to watch.

“There are so many moving parts to this team," she continued. "I can put several different combinations together successfully. We still have a long way to go, but I’m happy with the path we are taking. It’s a great group of girls, and I feel that they deserve the very best.”