ORANGE – Having lost six of it last seven games, El Modena’s softball team was looking for a way to end its funk.
The Vanguards found the answer Tuesday, upsetting Yorba Linda, 4-0, in a Crestview League game at El Modena High.
Yorba Linda had won five of its last six and was undefeated in league.
“We hadn’t been playing very well,” said El Modena coach Ed Kelly. “This was a key win for us.”
McKenna Walton pitched all seven innings for the Vanguards (10-13, 1-2), and allowed three hits and two walks.
“She was focused,” Kelly said. “Whether we were calling drops, or curves or screws, and she was hitting her spots.”
Yorba Linda starting pitcher Ciara Stapp cruised through the first three innings before the Vanguards got on the board.
Devynn Basulto led off the fourth with a single and stole second before coming home on a double by Bella Santoyo.
The Vanguards added three runs in the fifth. They started the inning with a one-out double by Mackenzie Hoots. Naomi Varela and Cameryn O’Grady were each hit by pitches to load the bases. Back-to-back singles by Julia Dorado and Santoya scored Hoots and Varela O’Grady.
Walton gave up a single in the sixth and a leadoff walk in the seventh, but got through both situations without allowing a run.
El Modena has five regular season games left, and Kelly wants to see the Vanguards duplicate their effort against the Mustangs (10-7, 2-1).
“Yesterday in our practice we performed at a high level,” Kelly said. “You have got to prepare properly to be able to be ready for a team like Yorba Linda.”
