The Stratford Spartans Varsity Softball Team kicked off their season with two scrimmages on Saturday and walked away with two WINS against some very tough competition.

vs. Cinco Ranch – WIN (9-4)

Stratford earned a victory over the Cinco Ranch Varsity Cougars after trailing by 4 runs in the second inning. Stratford flipped the game around in the bottom of the second inning, scoring 5 runs on 6 hits to take a 5-4 lead with a combination of hits by Aashna Kapoor, Isabela Sanchez, and Ashlyn Bell with 2 RBIs. Jessica Youngblood then singled, followed by an RBI by Kaitlyn McGuire. Layla Yslas and Gwyn Katterhenry rounded out the inning each collecting singles and RBIs. The Spartans strengthened their lead in the third inning with back-to-back singles by Ava Esparza and Caroline Chamberlain, followed up by RBIs from Elizabeth McGuire and Sophie Donnel. Sophomore pitcher Katterhenry earned the win for Stratford. Katterhenry threw 3 innings while racking up 5Ks.

Offensive Highlights (8 hits total):

Singles: Esparza, Chamberlain, Katterhenry, Sanchez, Youngblood, Yslas

Doubles: Kapoor, Bell

Defensive Highlights:

Katterhenry: 3IP, 5H, 4R, 1ER, 2BB, 5K

vs. Cy Ranch – WIN (5-3)

The Stratford Spartans were triumphant over the Cy Ranch Varsity Mustangs on Saturday after being down 3-1 in the second inning. Stratford was unable to score despite Isabela Sanchez, Jessica Youngblood, and Kaitlyn McGuire all collecting hits in the 2nd inning. The Spartans came on strong in the top of the 5th inning to take the lead when Allison Hibbetts doubled when the bases were loaded with Aashna Kapoor, Caroline Chamberlain, and Layla Yslas. Sophie Donnel then singled scoring Yslas, followed up by a fielder’s choice RBI by Elizabeth McGuire and a single by Jessica Youngblood. Youngblood and Hibbetts led the offense, each collecting 2 hits. Sophomore pitcher Kapoor started the game for the Spartans, throwing 3 innings. Gwyn Katterhenry came in to relieve in the 4th inning to earn the win.

Offensive Highlights (8 hits total):

Singles: Allison Hibbetts, Jessica Youngblood (2), Isabela Sanchez, Kaitlyn McGuire, Layla Yslas, Sophie Donnell

Doubles: Allison Hibbetts

Defensive Highlights:

Kapoor: 3IP, 3H, 3R, 1ER, 0BB, 2K

Katterhenry: 2IP, 1H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 2K

Hibbetts with a diving line-drive catch in left field

The Spartans play two more home scrimmages this week:

1/30 – Tuesday vs. Magnolia West @ HOME @ 4:30 pm JV/6:00 pm Varsity

2/2 – Friday vs. Katy Taylor @ HOME @ 4:00 pm JV/5:30 pm Varsity