Bella Vista beat the varsity softball team 12-0 in the March 10 X-Factor game.

In the first inning, Bella Vista took a quick lead, scoring three runs.

In the third inning Bella Vista gained three runs them because a parent had kicked the ball back into the field, which had caused them to gain more runs. They soon recovered with another run, 4-0.

In the fifth inning No. 14 Maddie Mitchell relieved No. 10 Abi Brooks as pitcher, Brooks moved positions to to first base.  Bella Vista gains five runs.

In the sixth inning Bella Vista scored one more point, 9-0. At the top of the seventh inning Bella Vista No. 8 Sierra Cryderman was walked. There were two other runs until No. 3 Emily Smith was hit in the back of the helmet with the softball while running to home plate. Smith went down for a few minutes but walked off the field. No. 17 Taylor Wright got the final run of the game, 12-0.

Head coach Beth Turner felt the team’s hitting was a major factor behind the loss.

“We didn’t bring our bats today. You can’t win with only three hits. We have been working a lot on hitting. Yesterday’s game really paid off with the hitting. We are just going to focus more on hitting and becoming more of a team. I think we’re just lacking that coming together portion,” Turner said.

No. 16 Kallie Hargis was sad by the loss but felt she played well.

“I think overall as a team we needed to pick each other up, work on our defense and making sure we get good hits and get on base,” Hargis said.

Some of the team’s goals include making it to playoffs and beating Rocklin. Harris also has a few personal goals for herself this season.

“My goal is to be a team player. Help everybody out, be their backup. Always be the one that they can count on to get that bag [or] get a hit, and be there backing up the bases,” Hargis said.

Turner believes that the team will become stronger and will be ready to rematch the next time they cross paths with Bella Vista.

Turner said, “We will definitely have a different ball game when we see them again. We’re not going to hold our heads, we’re going to come out harder next time. We plan on winning next time against Bella Vista.”

by ARIELLA APPLEBY