Clovis softball 0-for is over

SANTA FE — The Clovis softball team has been working hard all spring, knowing that its hard work would pay off soon.

It paid off twice over in Saturday’s doubleheader at Santa Fe, as the Lady Wildcats swept the Lady Demons by scorching them for 42 total runs and 40 total hits while playing error-free ball. As a result, Clovis picked up its first and second victories of the season — 21-2 and 21-1 in three innings each — improving to 2-16 overall and 2-4 against District 2-6A opponents.

“We came out and we were relaxed,” Clovis coach Brandi Thomas said. “We had our opportunities and we actually did what we’ve been trying to do all year. I actually have no complaints with the girls. They stayed in the game. They had it in their eyes. They were ready. They crushed the ball and that helped our defense.”

In the ‘bright future’ category, Clovis freshman pitcher Bryana Gallagher made her first varsity start and tossed a three-hitter with a strikeout and a walk in the nightcap.

Anyssa Casaus worked the opener, scattering five hits with two strikeouts and a walk.

Casaus helped herself in that game by clouting a grand slam in the bottom of the third, part of a 3-for-4 effort. Cameron Nelson was 3-for-3 with two homers, a single and an intentional walk, producing six RBIs in all.

Daisy Dodge went 3-for-3 with a double; Harley Barber was 2-for-3 including a home run; and Celeste Chavez was 2-for-4 with a double.

In the second game, Clovis led 5-1 after the first inning before ringing up 11 runs in the second to break the game wide open.

Skyler Schutte was 4-for-4 including three doubles and six RBI to lead Clovis. Chavez was also a perfect 4-for-4, including three doubles.

Paige Noack went 3-for-3 and Barber added a double.

The back-to-back victories allow Clovis to return home on a good note. The Lady Wildcats will host Carlsbad in a make-up doubleheader on Tuesday, beginning at 4:30 p.m.

“Carlsbad is always tough; they’re one of the best teams in the state,” Thomas said. “So to come back home with the confidence we gained today, that’ll be exciting.”