Mira Costa’s bats exploded Tuesday allowing the Mustangs to take sole possession of first place with a 12-2 victory over second-place Palos Verdes as the team celebrated Senior Night at Marine Field. The team has five seniors.
Palos Verdes jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first. But the Mustangs shutout the visitors the rest of the way, capitalizing on 14 hits in the rout, which improved the team’s record at 6-1 and 15-10-1 overall.
Freshman pitcher Katie Katsuyama went the distance allowing only six hits and two walks while striking out six.
“Katsuyama has stepped into the role as the ace and she is grabbing the reins and doing an unbelievable job,” Mira Costa coach Brittany Gardner said.
Senior Grace Herron and sophomore Mari Ledezma each led the team with three hits, and sophomore Piper Neri had four RBIs. Overall the Mustangs hit .483 against a strong Palos Verdes pitching staff.
“We have been led by our senior co-captains Serena Ponciano and Grace Herron as well as Katie Gould,” Gardner said. “Like in the years past, these three have been reliable and always step up in key moments. Nothing has changed for them since their freshman year. They are all consistent players that you can build a team around.”
Sophomore returning varsity player Piper Neri has been an anchor in the Mustang’s outfield and has stepped up at the plate in numerous situations.
Another plus has been freshman Emma Fong who has had some timely clutch hits as a clean-up hitter this year.
Mira Costa wraps up the regular season at Inglewood tomorrow before hosting Morningside on Monday and a night road contest at rival Redondo on Wednesday.
Redondo sits in third place in the Bay League and finishes the regular season at Peninsula on Friday and hosting Palos Verdes Monday before the finale against Mira Costa.
