Ashlee Laver got the victory for Woodbridge Wednesday afternoon. (Photo: Tim Burt, For OC Sports Zone).
Like many softball teams in Orange County, Woodbridge has had to adjust its practice and game schedule because of all the rains.
But Wednesday afternoon, the Warriors got their first game in and defeated El Toro 5-0.
“For our first game of the year it went extremely well,” said Woodbridge Coach Jerry Rose. “I believe we have had a total of six practices since Jan 29 and almost none in the last week due to all the rain.
“We hadn’t seen a live pitch or even been in the batting cage for over a week. Taking that into account we played extremely well. We played clean defensively.”
Ashlee Laver was solid on the mound, recording eight strikeouts to get the victory. She did not allow a run in six innings.
“The team played clean defensively behind her,” Rose said. “Our defense will definitely be a strong point this year.
“We have many new starters this year. Senior Taylor Wojciechowski is getting to start at second base and played well.
“Maddie Rubino is stepping in as the starting first baseman as a sophomore. She is up after a year on JV and played a solid game including snagging a soft liner between her and Taylor.”
Rose said he is also counting on a big year from junior Kaylei Bambridge, who will be the catcher.
“She called her own game today and she and Ashlee were in sync the whole time,” Rose said.
Sophomore transfer Hayley Mihut played a solid shortstop and contributed two RBI and a double, Rose said.
Kate Lim, who has signed a national letter of intent to play softball at Stanford, has moved to center field this year.
“She had two steals today and patrolled center beautifully,” Rose said. “She kept a runner on third from scoring late in the game with what should have been an RBI fly-out. She threw a strike home to freeze the runner and help preserve the shutout.”
Woodbridge continues play this weekend in the Northwood Tournament with games at 3 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. at Bill Barber Park.
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