Placer, Bear River split softball home-and-home series

The Placer and Bear River High School softball teams split a home-and-home softball series last week, with each team defending its home field for victories. The Hillgals took Monday's matchup in Auburn, defeating the Bruins 9–6 thanks to a strong offensive performance from sophomore Livia Wile Pearson. Wiley Pearson went 4-for-4 with a triple, three RBIs and three runs scored as she shouldered the workload of Placer's offense. The Hillgals jumped out quickly with three runs in the first inning and added three more in the second to build a 6–0 lead, but Bear River would not go quietly. The Bruins matched that total, scoring three runs in the third and fourth innings to tie the game. Placer regained the lead for good, pushing three runs across in the fifth inning, as Wiley Pearson hit an RBI single and freshman McKensie Rath belted an RBI double. Wiley Pearson scored on a passed ball as well. Rath had a strong showing as well, finishing with two hits and two RBIs, while Annie Gompert went 2-for-3 and scored twice. Myah Denny doubled and drove in two runs. Rath earned the win in relief, tossing the final three hitless without allowing a hit while striking out three. Bear River bounced back Wednesday in Lake of the Pines, riding a seven-run second inning to a 14–6 victory. Caycee Long led Bear River at the plate, going 3-for-4 with four RBIs and a double. Averie Lopez had two hits, including a triple, and drove in three runs. Lottie Smith also starred, finishing with two hits, including a home run and double, while scoring three times and driving in three runs. Smith also picked up the win in the circle, pitching six innings and allowing four hits and two earned runs while striking out three. Placer fell to Franklin on Friday 10-6 in its final nonleague tune up before diving into Foothill Valley League play this week against River Valley. Bear River was in action with three games over the weekend, falling to Rio Americano and Rio Linda while defeating Argonaut.