Tigers fresh from Tulare Classic tourney success, gear up for WYL softball campaign

The Tigers just came off an impressive stint in the annual Tulare Classic Softball Tournament where they, unfortunately, lost in the championship final to Atwater High School 7-5. Earlier that same day Lemoore beat Liberty High 9-4 and Golden West 8-4 to earn the right to meet Atwater for the title.

“Our team played really well,” said Tiger Coach Dionne Ewing. “They hit the ball really well. Atwater is a top-notch team. We ended up knocking out their top pitcher too.”

Because of weather and some scheduling issues, the Tigers were forced to play the three games on Tuesday, including the final. Lemoore’s posted an overall record of 3-2 in the tourney. “We faced two Division 1 schools.” The Tigers only losses were to Atascadero and then Atwater in the last game.

“We did a fantastic job of hitting,” said Ewing. “Our kids really hung in there. Ashton Lucas pitched a great game against Atascadero (early in the tourney).”

Tiger slugger Mackenzie Dutra blasted a grand slam in the game against Tulare Western.

“Now that we’ve gotten through this tournament, our focus turns to league. Next week is going to be a busy week for us, and if they (Tigers) continue to swing the bat, our defense plays well, and we have good pitching, I think we’ll be competitive in the WYL.” said Ewing.

Lemoore will play in another tournament at Washington Union. They’ll play three times on Friday (April 6) and twice on Saturday.

In the tournament final against Atwater, the Tigers had six hits on the day, coming from six different batters: Sierra Phelps, Kyleigh Allen, Madison Wallace, Selina Perez, Susannah Campos, and Jacky Esquer.

Pitcher Ashton Lucas went the distance for the Tigers giving up seven runs and striking out three.