Hopi splits pair of games with Pinon

POLACCA—Hopi High School is of to a 6-4 record this softball season but hopes to improve as the Lady Bruins prepare for its conference games in the 2A North.

Hopi recently split a pair of games with Pinon. The Lady Bruins edged Pinon, 6-5, in the opener before falling flat in the nightcap, 16-6.

Zondra “Big Z” Mahle scattered 10 hits, walked three and struck out three to pick up the win in the first game. Hopi High School Softball Coach Dirk Wirth praised Big Z for giving a good effort and pitching a solid game.

Earlene Jackson walked and scored the winning run on a double by Tessa Beatty. She had plenty of offensive help.Marie Koopee tripled and drove in two runs and Candice “Cricket” Poleahla had a hit and three walks. C. Wylie kept Pinon close with two homers to drive in four runs.

Hopi also scored six runs in the second game, but gave up much more. Koopee had trouble with her control from the pitcher’s mound. Coach Wirth also substituted freely during this game in order to give his substitutes some playing time.

Coach Wirth praised Pinon Coach Jose Baca, a former Tuba City softball coach. “Pinon is a good solid team. They’ve beat Monument Valley and done well in the New Mexico tournaments,” he said. “We didn’t play well enough to win. We had too many errors and gave up too many walks.”

The Lady Bruins had a few fireworks in the game, including triples by Kaleena Kewanwytewa and Marie Koopee.

S. Kevine came on in relief in the first inning for Pinon and shut Hopi High’s offense down.

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