WHITTIER, Calif. (Feb 17, 2023) - Whittier split its Friday doubleheader against the visiting Lewis & Clark Pioneers, jumping out to a 3-1 record on the young season.

GAME ONE:

The Poets won Game One on the strength of three home runs, a two-run single by birthday girl Melissa Carrasco (she turned 22!) and a complete game victory by Katelyn Calvetti.

Carrasco knocked in the first two runs of the game on a one-out single to left field.

"Being in my spot of the lineup (fourth aka cleanup), that's what is expected of the better," Carrasco said. "The fact that I was able to fill out those big shoes always feels great. As a teammate, I try my best to capitalize on my opportunities. It felt just that much better because it was my birthday!"

The Poets then scored thrice more in the second inning to take a 5-0 lead. Kelly Monroy hit a two-run home run to right field, followed by a solo blast by Emily Adkison over the left field wall.

Calvetti shut out the Pioneers for the first four innings, but allowed a run-scoring single in the fifth to cut the lead to 5-1.

In the bottom half of the fifth, Marissa Flynn got that run back, hitting a solo home run to left field that just managed to stay fair.

The final run of the game was scored in the top of the sixth on a double play with the bases loaded. 

The top four batters in the Poets' lineup accounted for eight of their nine hits in the game, going a combined 8-for-13 with three home runs, one double, five runs and six RBI.

"Regardless of who is in the lineup, I am confident that every single one of the girls on the team can put the ball in play," Carrasco said. "Specifically the three in front of me in the lineup make me much more secure when I am at the plate. I know for sure when I am up to bat that there will be girls on base to bring in. The confidence all stems from practice. We really home in on our strengths and even more on our weaknesses, so when it comes to game time, our tool belts are full."

Adkison and Carrasco each scored two runs and recorded two hits, while Flynn went a perfect 3-for-3 with seven total bases.

Adkison and Sara Chiala each stole a base, and Lucy Brooks made a spectacular diving catch on a sinking line drive to center field.

Calvetti allowed one unearned run (two runs total) and seven hits over a complete game seven innings. She struck out four and walked five, managing to successfuly work out of jams at several junctures of the game.

"My main takeaway from Game One was how effective the whole team was on defense," Calvetti said. "Everyone executed at their positions, especially in clutch situations. Personally, my main goal was to attack the strike zone and trust my defense to have my back, which they definitely did."

"Our win reflects who our team is: resilient and hard working," said Carrasco. "I have no doubt that this team has the talent and confidence to take it all this season."

GAME TWO:

Despite allowing just seven base runners in seven innings, Whittier lost Game Two, 6-0.

Jamie Garvey allowed just five hits, one walk and a hit batter, but strategically-timed hits and two home runs by the Pios doomed the Poets. The senior also struck out six batters in the loss.

Lewis & Clark did all its damage in the third and fifth innings, scoring four in the third and two more in the fifth.

Flynn broke up the no-hitter on a single to right-center field with two outs in the fourth inning, her fourth hit of the day.

Jocelyn Signoretti collected the Poets' only other hit in the game, a pinch-hit infield single with two outs in the seventh.

"We love the wins, but it's the losses that really make us better," said Carrasco. "Softball is a game of failure. We will take this series and come back next weekend even stronger and ready to win!"

The Poets play their annual Alumnae Game Saturday at 11 a.m., and their next series comes Friday at home against Brandeis University (first pitch is a 12:30). See you there!

Photo: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com

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