Kaydence Koepsell, shown here in an earlier game, pitched a no-hitter Monday. (Photo by Action Captures Media)
Kaydence Koepsell pitched a no-hitter and recorded her 150th strikeout of the season Monday as the Paloma Valley High School softball team defeated Hemet 4-0 to claim the co-championship of the Sunbelt League with the Bulldogs.
Koepsell faced only 3 batters over the minimum – one on a walk and 2 aboard on errors – as the Wildcats improved their overall record to 21-4 (8-2 in league). Paloma Valley and Hemet each won 1 game against the other this season to finish in a first-place tie.
Koepsell is now 16-4 on the mound with a 1.32 ERA. Laura Liera hit a 3-run home run in the first inning.
“I’m very proud of her,” coach Ray Arredondo said about Koepsell. “She has turned out to be the dog that we needed her to be. Laura Liera is a beast in the box along with behind the dish, and her home run in the first helped set the tone for the rest of the game, along with Kaydence’s first inning.
“I told the girls before the game, we had nothing to lose and everything to gain in this game. Hemet was the one with something to lose, and it’s a spot that we are dangerous in. Go have fun and compete. Whatever happens today, I’m OK with it as long as we compete and keep the energy going.
“They went out and played their hearts out and made a statement today. I’m very proud of the whole team effort and we are now looking forward to competing in playoffs.”
The Wildcats will learn of their first-round playoff opponent when pairings are announced on May 11.
Elsewhere in softball, Liberty scored 8 runs in the 5th inning to beat Valley View, 14-4. Julianna Larson went 3 for 4 with 2 home runs and 5 RBIs and 3 runs scored. Lily Mathews went 3 for 4 with a home run.
Heritage’s offense went crazy in a 23-13 win over Vista del Lago. The Patriots scored 16 runs in the 5th inning alone.
In baseball, Paloma Valley beat Arlington, 2-1, to secure third place in the Ivy League and a CIF playoff berth. Pairings will be announced on May 9.
Clinton Glass pitched a complete game, allowing 1 run on 5 hits. The Wildcats are 14-12 overall.
