Notre Dame softball edges Sierra Canyon in high-scoring Mission League matchup

The Notre Dame High School softball team secured a thrilling victory over Sierra Canyon School in a high-scoring Mission League matchup on April 13, 2023. The game took place at Notre Dame's home field in Sherman Oaks, California.

Both teams showcased their offensive prowess throughout the game, with Notre Dame taking an early lead with two runs in the bottom of the first inning. However, Sierra Canyon responded with three runs in the top of the second inning, taking a 3-2 lead.

Notre Dame battled back, scoring two runs in the bottom of the third inning to tie the game at 3-3. The seesaw battle continued with both teams exchanging runs throughout the game.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, with the score tied at 7-7, Notre Dame's offense came alive once again. With two outs and runners on second and third base, senior shortstop Emily Martinez stepped up to the plate and delivered a clutch single, driving in two runs and giving Notre Dame a 9-7 lead.

Sierra Canyon threatened in the top of the seventh inning, loading the bases with only one out. However, Notre Dame's pitcher, junior Sarah Lee, dug deep and struck out the next two batters to secure the victory for her team.

With the win, Notre Dame took over the top spot in the Mission League standings, improving their record to 11-1 in league play and 18-3 overall. Sierra Canyon fell to 10-2 in league play and 17-4 overall.

Notre Dame's head coach, Anne Lowe, praised her team's resilience and determination in securing the victory. "Our girls never gave up," she said. "They fought back every time Sierra Canyon took the lead, and I'm so proud of their effort."

Sierra Canyon's head coach, John Smith, acknowledged his team's mistakes but expressed confidence in their ability to bounce back. "We made some errors that cost us some runs," he said. "But we'll learn from this game and come back stronger."

Notre Dame's next game is against Chatsworth High School on April 15, while Sierra Canyon faces Harvard-Westlake School on April 16. Both games are crucial league contests that will impact the final standings of the Mission League.