Pitched Battle

Pali High Upset by Gardena 10-6 in City Division II Softball Championship Game 

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

Two innings away from its first-ever City Section softball championship, Palisades led Gardena 4-2 in last Thursday’s Division II final at Stadium by the Sea—and the Dolphins had all the momentum.

However, the Panthers exploded for eight runs in the last two frames and won 10-6, leaving Coach Manny Flores and his players to reflect on what was still a historic season.

“This was a very diverse squad, it was quite a trip for them to come out and the captains took that leadership role to heart,” he said. “We had to share the field with the other teams so we didn’t get to practice much.”

Palisades battle to the last out but ultimately was done in by 10 errors.

The Dolphins did not get their first hit until the fifth inning but Hailey Heirigs scored when a dribbler to first was misplayed, allowing her to round the bases. Adrianna Canas tripled and pinch runner Samantha Quintero scored the tying run on a  single by Stella Honda. Ella Edwards tripled to give Palisades the lead and Makena Reiss singled to score Edwards. Heirigs threw a runner out at the plate to save a run in the sixth.

“This team is so unique, so lovable, so cohesive,” said Heirigs, who is going to try to walk on at UC San Diego. “The girls made it happen.”

Senior Molly Tenenbaum pitched her heart out before being lifted for Heirigs with one out in the seventh inning. “I didn’t feel that much pressure, I see my infield and outfield make all these crazy plays behind me,” said Tenenbaum, who will attend College of Saint Benedict in Minnesota. “My first two years we were in Division I and lost in the first round by a lot and last year was canceled so this was awesome!”