Gaels Complete 2019 Season on Senior Day
MORAGA, Calif. — The Saint Mary’s softball team (14–37, 7–8 WCC) wrapped up their 2019 season on Saturday as they completed their three-game series in a doubleheader against San Diego at Cottrell Field.
Saturday was also Senior Day in Moraga as the Gaels honored their three graduating members: Dylan Linton, Abbey Mariani, and Bailey Lotz. All three players were starters over the past three seasons.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Game 1
Saint Mary’s 2, San Diego 0
Sofia Earle had a masterful start in the circle as she threw a complete game shutout to improve to 6–10. The freshman gave up only four hits, walked one, and struck out five to secure the victory.
After five scoreless innings, the Gaels finally broke through in the sixth with two outs. Kalissa Heihn ripped a double just within the right field chalk line to chase home two seniors, Linton and Lotz, to provide the only runs Saint Mary’s would need. The Gaels had five total hits in the game.
SMC ran wild during the contest with five stolen bags, including three from Kimiko Zapanta. The sophomore’s 15 stolen bags represent the second consecutive season that she has led the conference in stolen bases. Jayda Alaan and Linton also swiped a base in the win.
Game 2
San Diego 2, Saint Mary’s 1
The Gaels had plenty of hits in their final game of the season but couldn’t complete the series sweep over USD in the 2–1 loss.
Saint Mary’s tallied 10 hits in the game but left nine runners on base. Linton finished her collegiate career in style by picking up three of those hits and had the team’s lone RBI on a double in the third inning.
Eryn McCoy went four strong innings with just two hits and one earned run allowed but picked up the tough loss. Earle threw three scoreless innings in relief for the Gaels and struck out four.
“I feel so blessed to have played my favorite sport as a Gael the last four years,” Linton said. “We ended the season on a very high note and I am so thankful for the lifelong friendships this sport has brought me.”
Saint Mary’s made massive strides this season as they won more conference games than the previous two years combined. Their performance marked the first time since 2016 that the team has finished fourth or better in the West Coast Conference standings.
“I am so proud of the way this team finished the season,” said Sonja Garnett, head coach of the Saint Mary’s softball team. “We could not have done it without the tremendous leadership and contributions of our three seniors.”
