Vikings drop 9-6 Coast contest to Hartnell in windy Salinas

Carinne Peterson singles against the Panthers
Carinne Peterson singles against the Panthers

The West Valley softball team's 2-0 first inning lead was blown away by a three-run Hartnell first, as the Panthers prevailed 9-6 in a gusty Coast Conference contest in Salinas. The Vikings (6-7, 0-3 Coast-South) put two runs on the board in the top of the fourth to grab a 6-5 lead, but Hartnell (3-14, 1-3), which pounded out 16 hits, scored twice in the home half of both the fourth and fifth to secure the win. Maricela Matos went 2-3 with a triple and three RBI to lead the Viking offense, while Hunter Miramontes finished 2-3 with one RBI. Ava Gonzales took the compleet-game loss in the circle. WVC hosts Gavilan (4-14, 1-3) Thursday (3/14). First pitch is 3pm.