Cubs, Eagles face off for last time in ’09

making a run for it:
West Valley runners round the bases while Anderson’s left fielder runs to retrieve the ball during Thursday game at Anderson River Park. West Valley won the game 12-0, and starts the playoffs in good position.

The West Valley Eagles and Anderson Cubs faced off for the last time this season last Thursday.

The Eagles gained explosive momentum in the second inning with 8 runs, and finished the game with 12. But the Cubs, coming up against one of the league's best pitchers, couldn't connect with the ball.

West Valley beat Anderson 12-0 with pitchers Cassidy Olson and Amy Westaby combining for a no hitter.

Even after a considerable early game deficit, the Cubs didn't seem to let up their game, or let frustration take over. The Cubs trailed by nine by the end of the second inning, but tightened up their game in the following innings, allowing only two more runs to score for the remainder of the game.

"West Valley is a good team. They are tough to beat. They are coached well and they do a good job," Cubs coach Charlie Hawkins said. "We want to have a program like that."

West Valley combined for 16 hits. Top offensive players include Amber Buchanan, who went four for four with four RBIs. Her hits included a double and a homerun.

Amy Westaby had three hits and an RBI. Cassidy Olson had two hits, which included a homerun and four RBIs. Eagles Kaylin Miner also had two hits and an RBI.

Although the sister schools softball programs aren't yet at the same level, Coach Hawkins said it isn't because a lack of heart on the part of the Cubs team.

"They work hard. These girls have been working hard all year and doing the best they can do," he said. "They keep their heads high and they do a good job."

The Cubs just missed the playoffs with their loss against Corning the following day, 1-8.

Anderson finished their season with a 9-19 overall record, and 3-7 in league.

West Valley finished their season with a 23-12 record overall, and 9-1 in league.

The Eagles grabbed the No. 4 seed in the Division III playoffs, and were set to play No. 1 seeded Paradise (20-8) on Tuesday, May 12. (See www.andersonvalleypost.com for updates from this game.)

The Eagles playoffs just started. But West Valley's recent hitting power, coach Lupe Cordova was ready for his team to start their playoff run right after the Cubs / Eagles game.

"I wish we could play tomorrow and we could bring what we did today into that game," he said.

Coach Cordova credited Eagles pitcher Cassidy Olson for a playing a big part in the teams success.

"She is definitely a big part of what we do," Cordova said.

But he said, each of his players have contributed to the accomplishments of the West Valley team.

"Obviously you have to play with nine. You can't just play with one," Cordova said.

The Eagles coach said he's happy with the direction his team is headed.

"We won our league and now we are going into the playoffs," he said.

"We replaced seven all-league players from last year, and we are still right back in the thick of things," Cordova added. "This team has a chance to accomplish everything that last year's team did."