Oakmont struggles at LeDoux tournament

Oakmont's softball team struggled during the annual Stephanie Ledoux Tournament, losing all five games. It wasn't the result the team was hoping for, but at the same time Oakmont coach Marc Watson's young team continues to develop and improve, which is the most important thing. The team played a variety of different games, as they played two high-scoring affairs, two low-scoring games to go along with a blowout loss over the two-day tournament held at Roseville High School on Friday and Saturday. The team opened the tournament with a 16-11 loss to Las Plumas before dropping a 15-10 game to Wheatland. The Vikings suffered a 6-3 loss to Antelope before being blown out by Christian Brothers, 16-0. Oakmont finished the tournament with a close 5-2 loss to Pleasant Valley. "Going 0-5 is not what we were hoping for, but I thought our first and our last games were our best and those came against the two best teams in the tournament," Watson said. "We identified a lot of areas that we need to focus on in practice and got some good feedback, so good things are happening." Last week saw the season debuts of junior Sydney Creel and sophomores Makayla Matson and Lilly Brand and despite not winning a game during the tournament, getting these players back on the field was a big win for the Vikings. "Sydney hit three home runs this weekend and also caught well for us and played the outfield," Watson said. "Makayla pitched well all week in games against Marysville and Colfax and had a couple of outstanding outings during the tournament. Lilly Brand also came back and did a good job catching and playing third base and right field." With the additions of Creel and Brand, it allowed for freshman catcher Sandra McNemar to get some rest from catching. "Sandra has caught a lot of games this season and with her being a freshman, she's not used to these long, seven-inning games," Watson said. "It's good to get her in the outfield for some games." The Vikings now get a week off for spring break before getting back in action April 7-8 with home games against Mira Loma and Center. "We've got some girls who are beat up, so spring break comes at a good time," Watson said. "They're not serious injuries, but when you have a small roster injuries hurt. "We should be ready to go when we get back and we open with Mira Loma and Center and we should be OK in those games. The following week is where the rubber meets the road when we play Bear River and Wheatland."