Westlake rallies, then holds on to defeat Lancers

By Wayne Harrison wharrison@theacorn.com

The Westlake softball team fought back from one-run deficits twice and beat Thousand Oaks, 5-4, in a game played at Thousand Oaks High School earlier this season.

The Warriors were behind 1-0 and 3-2 against the Lancers but scored three runs in the top of the fourth to build a 5-3 lead.

Megan Shie, a junior catcher, hit a two-run triple and later scored on a wild pitch accounting for the three decisive fourth-inning runs.

Ava Amini, who relieved Westlake starter Michelle Rehm, earned the win.

"I’m proud of my kids because they fought back," said Westlake head coach Garry Fetman. "They could have crumbled."

The Warriors have been hitting better this year, but said they need to pick up other aspects of their game.

"We haven’t been doing as well defensively and that’s hurting us," said Stephanie Savre, a senior first baseman. "This game (against Thousand Oaks) we should have won by a lot more runs and we didn’t because of our defense. But beside that, we’re swinging the bats well."

Fetman agreed.

"We’ve got some things we need to improve and we’ll be fine," Fetman said. "We’ve got to tighten up our defense a little and cut down the mistakes and the free passes. That will come."

The Warrior coach said he likes the luxury of having two starting pitchers, the senior, Rehm, and the junior, Amini.

"I have complete confidence in both of them," Fetman said.

The players and coach said Marmonte League games will be a test every game.

"We expect all games to be close," Shie said. "But as long as we keep hitting, we should be fine."

Of the league games Fetman said, "It’s an adventure every time out."

Shie threw out a Lancer trying to steal in the bottom of the seventh, thwarting a potential game-tying run.

"I figured she would go at some point," Shie said. "I was ready for it."

Amini said the Warriors have worked hard to improve offensively.

"People are playing travel ball," Amini said. "They’re practicing harder, they’re older, they’re being more patient and waiting for their pitches. We’ve been getting key hits."