The spring sports season is winding down, and that means harsh competition in the remaining games to have one last shot at either finishing in the top three or winning CCC in the division. Multiple teams at our school have had the opportunity to be in first place for a least a small amount of time during the season. Many of the teams have pushed hard to achieve personal team goals set at the beginning of the season. We are extremely proud in how much each team has improved over the seasons.
Starting girls’ soccer finished second in their league. With a back and forth tie withTurlock, they fought hard each game especially with their cross-town rivals, the Bulldogs. All games, but one, ended in a tie; with the exception of the last game that had the CCC championship on the line. The long eighty minute game felt as though it would last an eon, with the last chance to score given to Marissa Rouse. She had the perfect goal set up, but missed the edge of the goal by a few inches leaving the team at awe with how close they were to wining their second CCC title in a row. The team’s right-mid, Courtney Phelps said,” it was very stressful and we didn’t play to the best of our abilities.” Although they did not finish the season as they hoped they would, they start playoffs this Tuesday, and playLodi.
Finishing with the seventh consecutive CCC title was the boys tennis team, all season they strived for another win and finally accomplished this goal after playingTurlockand securing their place as champions. An unexpected player that was determined to move his way up in rankings was Marcos Bucrose. He started in the lower half of the teams ranking system, and at the end of the season was one of the team’s most reliable players. Many are in awe that they attain so much talent, and each year continue to pick up players that can attribute to the team’s success just as equal as the seniors they lost the year before.
The school’s varsity track team had a great season this spring. With top runners for the boy’s team including Brent Nellie, Logan Wolfley, and Eric Finch, they were able to finish second in their division. Not only did they do well in sprints and distance, but throwing as well. A contributor to this event was Dakota Selfidge; he participated in shot put. Alongside the boys were the girls who finished in second place as well. With Kelsee Derr, Jasmine Nickleberry, and as large competitors on the team, they added to the intensity of each meet. They worked extremely hard, and have hope in sending a number of athletes on to state. With one meet left, many members hope to PR and set new school records.
The swim team had many talented athletes on the team this year such as Simon Staley, Quinten Day, and Hailee Baldwin. They were able to continually move themselves up in the competition for first place, and were happy with their finish. They had many supporters this year, which helped them strive to achieve their goals. Now with their amazingly vivid tan lines from their suits they are ready for summer, and are planning to work hard to improve themselves for next year’s season.
Boys golf had a successful season, not only were they in second place for quite some time, they were able to advance to playoffs. They had a great record with their only losses going toTurlock. …..
Boy’s baseball had their vicissitudes this season. Starting with the CCC title in clear views, a few losses set them back. They had great games againstTurlockand Buhach, and recently beatMercedwith contributing homeruns and grand slams from Jordan Gonzales and Grayson Kennedy. This finally put them in third place, and in position to receive a spot in playoffs where they can test their true potential. They have had many positive sides to their season starting off with both tournaments, but this year were challenged by the vast amount of determination by the other teams in league. With high hopes, they start the last week season today and have playoffs painted in their minds.
Girls varsity has one league game left until the hopefully break another school record. With ten wins and three losses, they are tied withMercedfor first place. Last week they had an edge sitting game withAtwaterthat had the ability to knock either team down to third place, luckily, in eight innings the Pride were able to pull through with a win. They have trained to exhausting limits to come even close to their dream. Last year they were able to have the opportunity to be the first team to make it to the first round of playoffs, and are confident they can do it again. “This year the team has had a unique bind, and I believe that, other than talent, this is the reason why we have made it this far”, said shortstop Skylar Taylor. Head coach, Cassie Sheppard, is proud that she final has a team that is able to work together, rather than be individuals on the field. After the last and final league game this Wednesday, hopefully ending in a first place celebration, they will continue to train for playoffs.
Our school is continually improving in all sports, and Pitman is proud to have our name earning respect and intimidating other schools. If baseball is able to pull through and advance to playoffs, it will result in all of Pitman’s varsity sports finishing in the top three and advancing to playoffs. This is an incredible achievement.