Softball Recap: Leland Comes Up Short

Leland had lost eight straight at home, but on Tuesday they dropped their record down to 4-11 to make it nine. They came up short against the Branham Bruins, falling 21-9. Unfortunately, that's the second time they've come up short against the Bruins this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 12-4 back in April.

Irene Kim and Lily O'Hanneson stepped up to the plate in a big way. Kim went 2-for-3 with two stolen bases and three runs, while O'Hanneson went 2-for-4 with four runs and one stolen base. The team also got some help courtesy of Kira Yoshioka-Gutierrez, who went 2-for-4 with three RBI and one stolen base.

As for Branham, the victory was the third in a row for them, bringing their record up to 13-12. Their hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.

On Branham's side, Jacque Connolly - Hojas made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching three innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off three hits. Connolly - Hojas was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with one home run, three runs, and three RBI. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in April.

In other batting news, CC Bonnard was incredible, going 4-for-6 with one home run, nine RBI, and two runs. Those nine RBI gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Madelyn Steiner, who got on base in four of her five plate appearances with four runs and two RBI.

Looking ahead, Leland will head out to challenge Westmont at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. As for Branham, they will challenge Santa Teresa at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. The Bruins are facing the Saints at the right time seeing as the Saints are stuck on a seven-game losing streak.