By SARAH RUIZ, staff reporter
The Central Washington Wildcats took the field Friday in Turlock, Calif., to participate in the Tournament of Champions. In their first day of the tournament, the Wildcats took on California State University-San Bernardino, and won. The final score of 5-7 helped to start the Wildcats off on top in the tournament.
With the help of sophomore Heidy Wells, the Wildcats were able to take the lead in their first game. The two teams battled for the lead, with a tied score of 5-5 in the third inning. However, it was a home run hit by junior Maikala Galusha that finished off the game for the Wildcats and gave them the win.
In the second game on Friday, Central faced off against Humboldt State University. A loss could have dampened spirits, but the Wildcats finished with a final score of 2-1. Freshman Alexa Olague was able to hit a home run that put the points on the scoreboard for the Wildcats.
As the first day of the tournament came to a close, the Wildcats continued to push through. In their third game, Central faced off against California-State University Chico, where they left the field with a win of 6-2. Senior Elena Carter hit a home run that brought in three other runners, helping the Wildcats to come out ahead.
The Central softball team took the second day of the Tournament of Champions by storm, winning both games.
The team then faced off against California State University- Monterey Bay, where they won 2-1. Junior Maria Gau helped lead the Wildcats to victory with her pitching, and a home run for junior Maikala Galusha brought in another runner in the top of the fourth.
In the next game, the Wildcats played against the Academy of Art, winning 4-3. Sophomore Heidy Wells pitched, using her ability to shut out hits until the third inning, when the opposing team finally scored. However, Galusha proved to be vital in this game, helping to bring points home. The final points of the game were scored when Galusha hit, getting freshman Michaela Hazlett home.
The Wildcats will remember this sucessful week, managing four wins out of five total in the tournamet. The team will face off against Northwest Nazarene on April 9.
