FULLERTON – For a team that has struggled in the Freeway League, the Troy offense seemed to have the number of rival Fullerton on Tuesday at Fullerton High.
The Warriors scored runs in the first and fourth innings, and senior Miranda Trinidad pitched a shutout to beat the Indians, 2-0.
Junior Jenna Beltran scored in the first inning for the Warriors, who kep the pressure on Fullerton throughout the game with consistent base hits.
“I think it was our pregame, and we had a team talk before, and I feel like it got us really pumped up for the game,” said Troy assistant coach Tori Merida.
The Warriors got on base in every inning, but Fullerton didn’t allow Troy to extend its lead until the fourth. Beltran ripped a pitch down the third base line to drive in Alyssa Polentz and make it 2-0.
Trinidad’s strong pitching performance helped the Warriors (6-12, 2-4) collect their second victory of the season against the Indians (15-8-1, 4-2).
“I was really calm and relaxed the whole time,” Trinidad said, “and even when there was pressure, I didn’t even feel it.”
Since it was her last time facing rival Fullerton, Trinidad savored the victory.
“It always feels good to win, especially since it’s the last time I’ll face them,” she said. “We’ll never hear the end of it if we don’t win.”
Troy had a strategy going into the game.
“To play loose, to play strong and to have fun, those were our main goals today,” said Merida. “We have been playing individually, but I feel like we came together as a team today.”
