by Ryan Eshoff

Firmly entrenched in second place in the ever-competitive West Catholic Athletic League, the boys J.V. baseball team looked to sustain its high level of play as they winded down the current season. Despite multiple games being rained out and sporting one of the league’s smaller teams, the Warriors jumped out to a 4-2 league mark.

“We feel we’ve established ourselves as one of the best teams in the league,” remarked sophomore Austin Simon. “At this point, we’re definitely aiming for first place.” That particular task will not be easy, as VC trails defending champion Junipero Serra in the standings.

The Warriors had been sitting alone atop the WCAL standings after defeating the St. Ignatius Wildcats 7-6. Looking to extend their mild winning streak, the Warriors took on Sacred Heart Cathedral. Behind the hot bats of sophomores Kyle Smith and Justin Harvey, Valley Christian doubled up on the Irish, 6-3.

The team’s winning ways set up a crucial battle with Junipero Serra, a game that had been previously rained out. Showing why they are one of the WCAL’s elite, the Padres flexed their offensive muscles, putting up 10 runs in their 10-3 victory. VC began a three-game week with a showdown against the Mitty Monarchs. Proving to have the slightest edge in the pitching department, the Monarchs triumphed 3-2.  Against Archbishop Riordan, VC found themselves again locked in a close battle, and it was the Crusaders emerging victorious 6-5. Perhaps frustrated by the run of close games, the Warriors’ bats came alive against Sacred Heart Cathedral, resulting in a 15-4 victory.  Their bats stayed hot against the Bellarmine Bells, although the best drive of the game was a foul ball off the bat of Harvey, who launched a tape-measure shot over the left-field foul pole. Despite the miss, the Warriors held off their rivals, 7-6.

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