The Pershing County softball team hosted Battle Mountain on Tuesday, April 27.
The Longhorns jumped out to an early lead with five runs in each of the first two innings.
The Mustangs waited until the fourth inning to put their four runs on the board. From there, it was all Battle Mountain.
The game ended at 16-4 with the Mustangs losing.
Pershing County had another chance against the Longhorns on Tuesday, May 4. Results were not available at press time.
On Saturday, May 1, Pershing County hosted the Yerington Lions for a doubleheader. Yerington won the first game 7-0.
Their momentum continued into the afternoon. The Lions won the second game 18-9, but Pershing County showed up to put runs on the board.
Jordan McKinney is impressed with her team’s improvement.
“They did much better on Saturday,” she said. “While we still had some errors and things to focus on in practice, our defense looked pretty good. Our bats didn’t come alive until the last few innings. We let Yerington jump on us, and we couldn’t climb back, but we made an effort at the end. The girls showed a glimpse of what they’re capable of, and it makes me super-excited for the next few years.”
McKinney is already feeling nostalgic as the season flies by. The Mustangs have team spirit to spare.
The players encourage one another with shouts from the dugout and kind words on the field.
They have each other’s backs. Most of them have been playing sports together since they were nine years old.
The coach is especially proud of “the backbone of her team,” Aledda Sam, Senicka Happy and Bela Rosas. Sam and Rosas are juniors. Happy is a senior.
Sam has been playing the infield throughout her high school years. Over the weekend, McKinney changed her to catcher.
“She had three days to learn the position, and she nailed it,” said the coach. “I can put her anywhere, and she rises to the occasion. Meanwhile, Senicka catches everything hit to her and Bela is a wall at shortstop.”
Even more importantly, the three help lead the team.
“Before each game, I depend on them to help me motivate their team and get them ready for competition. They are the leaders who do whatever they can to lift their team when they are down. In practice, they help teach the younger girls.”
“I’m sad to only have Senicka for this last year, but I’m fortunate to have been part of her whole high school softball career. She has made it fun every year. Anyone who knows Senicka knows she always has that smile on her face.”
The season ends with home games against Incline (May 8), West Wendover (May 14) and Smith Valley (May 15).
