This time of year, Highland softball has a pretty relaxed feel. In the last month the offense has plated almost 14 runs a game. Third year coach Amie Wolford says she's seen a change in the Scots confidence. "When they get in that box they hit the ball and they hit it hard every single time," she said.
But while hitting's important, you need a good pitcher to get the wins. Brianna Acosta has become that ace for the Scots. "It came down to Brianna stepping up and being our only pitcher for the entire season," Wolford said.
The Scots had a 0-4 when Acosta made her first start. Now they're back to back winners of the Southeast Yosemite League with a game to play. "It hasn't really sunk in," Acosta said. "I think it'll sink in more tomorrow (after their season finale). I think that's when we'll celebrate more."
While she works in a couple pitches to get her 10 wins, 65 K's and 2.56 ERA, her go to pitch has to be her rise ball. "Because people always go for it," said senior catcher Amberly Reyes. "They can never hit hers."
Making her success even sweeter is that Acosta is just a sophomore but coach Wolford says she never showed any stress to be playing against juniors and seniors. "I never saw any nerves from her she handled it so well," Wolford said.
Maybe we shouldn't be surprised by her success since the pitcher had a glove in her hand as soon as she could walk. "when I was 14 I played with 18 year olds so I wasn't really nervous," she said.
It's thanks in part to her dominance in the circle that Highland is forced to dream a little bigger. "I guess our next goal would be to win valley," Acosta said in response to the Scots new goals.
Highland (13-10, (SEYL 10-1) record) plays North (17-11, 7-4) Friday at 4:00 PM in the regular season finale before finding out Saturday who they will play in the playoffs.
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