Monache drops two close games

Despite dropping its fifth straight game, Monache softball coach Dave Koontz is confident his young team is improving.

The Marauders dropped one-run decisions at San Luis Obispo High on Saturday, 3-2 and 6-5.

“I was really pleased with the team,” he said. “We played two really good games in a row - two consistent games.

I’m starting to feel like our offense is coming on.”

Monache led 2-1 in the opener behind freshman pitcher Raeleen Torres, who allowed four hits and two earned runs.

She also struck out four.

Victoria Jackson tripled and scored a run to lead the MHS offense in the opener. Ashley Montero went 1-for-3 with an RBI.

San Luis jumped on sophomore pitcher Kelsey McCabe, scoring five runs in the first inning. She settled down and pitched the next three innings before being relieved by Danielle Emerson, who struck out four over the next two innings.

Monache climbed back, scoring runs in the third, fifth and sixth, and loaded the bases in the final inning.

Emerson was 2-for-3 with a double, two RBI and two runs scored to lead a Marauders’ offense that pounded out seven hits. Kailee Doyel finished 2-for-3 with two runs.

Monache opens East Yosemite League play on Wednesday at Granite Hills.