Alexis Muir helped the Palisades High softball team christen its Western League schedule in grand fashion on Monday, pitching a no-hitter in a 15-0 home rout of Fairfax.
The senior hurler was just one misplay away from a perfect game, striking out seven over five innings, when the game was called due to the mercy rule.
Junior outfielder Lily Lack had three hits and three RBIs and senior outfielder and team co-captain Amber Flores had two hits and scored three runs as the Dolphins put this one on ice early with a six-run first inning.
PaliHi needed only 10 hits, including just two for extra bases, to score their 15 runs, relying instead of a barrage of singles and walks. Senior shortstop and co-captain Jenna Paul contributed three runs scored.
First-year head coach Manuel Flores was both elated and relieved to earn his first league victory, the first of what could be many if Monday was any indication.
“This was a good start, and Alexis was strong,” Flores said. “It’s definitely a confidence boost and motivation to keep working hard.”
Flores inherited a team featuring five seniors, after losing two key players from a year ago in Selma Cortez and Taleigh Williams. The program emerged in the last two years as previous head coach Ray Marsden guided the Dolphins to their first two Western League titles in school history.
The junior class has plenty of pop as well, including Lack, catcher Sarah Cortez and pitcher/utility Taymar Cox.
“They’re working hard to defend our league championship,” Flores said. “We want to uphold it. We should have a solid season and be a contender. Coach Marsden worked really hard to make this a strong program, and I hope to continue that.”
The Dolphins will play at Fairfax today, their final game before spring break. They will return to action on April 9 at Westchester, followed by a home game against Westchester on April 11 at 3 p.m.
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