The562’s coverage of Long Beach Poly is sponsored by Bryson Financial.
The562’s coverage of Long Beach Wilson Athletics is sponsored by Joel Bitonio, Class of 2009.
It took until the bottom of the 5th inning for Long Beach Poly to break through, but once the Jackrabbits got going they never let up.
Led by an exciting crop of freshmen talent, Poly put together a four-run, two-out rally in the 5th, then added six more runs in the next inning on their way to a 10-1 victory over Wilson on Wednesday at Joe Rodgers Field.
“I know that our girls can swing the bat, and I know that if one or two of them are having a down day, the rest of them are going to pick them up again,” said Poly head coach Elizabeth Sanches after the win, “I know what they can do, the coaching staff knows what they can do. We’ve just got to get the girls to put it all together a little bit sooner than the 5th inning next time, ideally, because Wilson can break it open at any moment as well.”
Freshman Bella Cisneros got the win in the circle for Poly, tossing a complete game and allowing one run on four hits. She also walked four and struck out four, while getting a terrific performance from her defense behind her.
Emoni Lam Sam made a few standout plays at third base, and the freshman middle infield combo of Bailey Holder at shortstop and Victoria Sepulveda at second were rock solid for the Jackrabbits, even turning a double play to end the Wilson 6th.
“As my first Moore League game, I’m really proud of myself. I’m really proud of my defense,” said Cisneros. “I was able to let my defense work, and I was just happy overall with the way the game went … It helps a lot knowing you can trust your defense, and I love how the girls always cheer me on, no matter if I’m doing bad or I’m doing good, I just like the energy here.”
Janelle Morris got the Jackrabbits on the scoreboard with an RBI single to score Sepulveda, who started the 5th inning rally with a two-out double down the right field line. Then it was Cisneros who delivered the big blow, stepping up with two runners on base and sending a shot into right center field, splitting the outfielders. Cisneros was able to race all the way around the bases for a three-run home run, giving the Jackrabbits a 4-0 lead.
The Bruins were able to scratch a run across in the 6th as Alexsa Barrera brought home Tallulah Watts (2/3, R) who singled to start the rally, but that’s all the offense they could muster.
Poly was then able to put the hammer down in the 6th, as the first six hitters reached base and scored in the inning. Holder walked with the bases loaded to force in the first run, Sepulveda smacked her third hit to collect a pair of RBIs, then Lam Sam (2/2, 2 R, BB, HBP, RBI) and Sunnie Vaafuti (3/4, RBI) added RBI singles to put the Jackrabbits up 10-1.
With the Jackrabbits missing some key starters from their lineup–due to the transfer sitout period as well as injury–they’ve needed to rely on their youngsters in key roles. Sepulveda moved from the outfield to second base and was a key cog in the lineup out of the No. 2 spot.
“I’m very grateful for (the opportunity), and I don’t feel anxious, because I know that no matter what happens, I’ll never be judged for making an error, because everyone’s so understanding here,” Sepulveda said.
Sanches echoed that sentiment of this team, and particularly her freshman class, who have stepped up early on in the season. The chemistry is apparent within the Jackrabbits dugout, and she’s preaching a family atmosphere for her squad.
The biggest name absent from Poly’s lineup is junior Kiele Ho-Ching, who is rated as the top player in the nation in her class. While her status is uncertain, she’s remained a key leader for the Jackrabbits, assisting the coaching staff and mentoring the younger players. Sanches said that Ho-Ching is eager to get back on the field, but they’re being understandably cautious with their superstar.
“While she is the best player in the league, she is also Kiele Ho-Ching: the student, the daughter, the sister, the friend, and that’s what comes first,” said Sanches. “Her future is so bright, and I can’t risk her getting hurt–not on my watch. I care too much about her to put the game before the person.
“As hard as it is without her, she’s still here, she’s become an extension of the coaching staff. She’s our defensive coordinator. She’s the one that makes sure everybody in the dugout is together and cheering, and so she’s still here, she’s present. She’s upset, of course, because she wants to play, and it’s really hard to look at her and tell her ‘No.’ But we’re the adults in the room, and we know there’s life after softball for these young ladies.”
Wilson will be back at Joe Rodgers on Tuesday hosting Jordan in their next Moore League game, while Poly is lined up for a Thursday showdown with defending league champion Millikan on the same field. The Jackrabbits won’t yet be at full strength for that meeting with the Rams, regardless of whether Ho-Ching is able to suit up, but it should nonetheless be an exciting clash between the reigning champs and a top contender.
