Warriors softball splits games at Carpinteria Invitational

Carpinteria softball opened the season by hosting the Third Annual Carpinteria Invitational on Saturday, Feb. 24. The Warriors split two games on the day, recovering from a 0-5 loss to Viewpoint by grabbing their first win of the year 8-1 over Nipomo.

Senior Ashlee Mora will play a heavy role this season as the sole pitcher for the Warriors, and on opening day she pitched a total of 10 innings. In the Warriors’ first game against Viewpoint, Mora threw four strikeouts and two walks while allowing five runs on seven hits.

On the offensive side, Carpinteria started without a hit until the fifth inning when sophomore Sophia Santana – one of three sophomores starting for the Warriors – broke through with an infield single. The next inning, senior Amarisse Camargo got the first hit of her senior season with a single on a fly ball to left field, but the Warriors were unable to score in the 0-5 loss.

Just a few hours later, Mora took the circle again for the Warriors, pitching five straight innings and allowing only one run on five hits, with three walks and six strikeouts.

“I am happy with her performance,” said coach Matt Mora. ”She will need to strengthen her stamina to last the season as our only pitcher.”

The Warriors bats were also much more active against Nipomo, with seniors Camargo and Mora each finishing with three hits, while senior Alexiana Jaimes led the team with three RBIs, including two off a double in the third inning. 

Senior Paola Martinez made an impact in her first game at second base, and Carpinteria’s trio of sophomores – Santana, Cecilia Lemus and Mia Garces – all finished with a hit in the 8-1 win over Nipomo. 

“All three of them had a great game and seemed more relaxed and let the game come to them,” Matt Mora said.

Carpinteria softball is also inviting all former Warriors players to compete in the annual Alumni Game on Thursday, April 4 at 4 p.m. All alumni interested in playing should contact coach Mora no later than April 2. Please email your full name, contact info and graduation year to mattjmora@yahoo.com.