Alec Bandler

Staff Writer

The Cal High softball team’s dream of an NCS title ended one game shy of the championship game.

After upsetting No. 3 seeded Heritage 6-1 in the quarterfinals, the No. 6 Grizzlies traveled to Union City for a semifinal showdown with perennial power James Logan on May 30.

The Grizzlies battled No. 2 James Logan, and ultimately fell short of heading to the NCS Championship after losing 3-1.

James Logan went on to beat top-seeded Amador 1-0.

“We had a succesful season,” said senior Shayna Friedman. “We played our hearts out against James Logan and there was nothing more that we could have done.”

Sophomore Lindsay Chalmers started on the mound for the Grizzlies and pitched really well.  She shut out James Logan for the first five innings.

The Grizzlies (16-10) first got on the board when junior Joelle Williams scored on an unearned run in the fourth inning.

“I thought we were going to win after we took the lead,” said assistant coach Tim Ford.

Unfortunately, the Grizzlies could not hold their lead as James Logan scored three runs in the sixth inning on four hits to take a 3-1 lead.

Alec Bandler

Staff Writer

The Grizzlies had many opportunities to do some damage and tie the game.  In the final inning, the Grizzlies loaded the bases with two outs.

Junior Kwyn Cooper battled by fouling off several pitches and eventually working the count full before striking out on a rise ball.

“It was the best high school game that I have ever been a part of,” said Ford. “Softball is a game of inches and we had opportunities but we couldn’t come through.”

In spite of losing to James Logan, it was a very strong season for the Grizzlies.

“We had a very successful season,” said Ford.  “Finishing in the top four of NCS is a great achievement.”