Underclassmen lead way in Mariposa softball’s title win

Most coaches steer clear of dynasty talk

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But Mariposa High School’s Tony Williams didn’t blink an eye when the phrase was suggested after his team’s 2-0 victory over Waterford in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division VI title game Saturday at Arnaiz Softball Complex.

With back-to-back titles, nine Mariposa players due back next year and the afternoon’s two biggest contributions coming from underclassmen, it’s easy to see why.

“It’s always fun to be here,” Williams said. “With the kids we have coming back and the class we have coming in, we’re hoping to be back here for a little while.

“In the two previous meetings, we beat them 3-0 and they beat us 1-0, so we knew coming in it was going to be a battle. We’ve faced that pitcher, Kylie (Ragsdale), for four years and know she’s always tough. That whole team battles, but we were able to get it done.”

Pitcher Leah Lafata was a big reason. Tossing her second title game in two years, the sophomore was almost unhittable Saturday. She allowed just two baserunners – on a hit and an error, both on bunts – while striking out six.

“I was pretty antsy before the game,” Lafata said. “I just wanted to get out there and get it over with. Last year didn’t help with the nerves at all.

“I knew right away I was on, and once we got a lead, I didn’t feel like I’d give it up.”

That took a little time with Ragsdale dealing as well. The Waterford (20-6-2) ace limited Mariposa (25-4) to three hits, but the Grizzlies started putting together better swings the second time through the order.

Mariposa broke the deadlock in the fourth inning when Ashlynn Zurilgen reached on an error. She moved up to second on a wild pitch and scored when freshman Violet Matlock drilled a line-drive double over the center fielder.

A bad hop got the Grizzlies a big insurance run as Ginny Kelsey’s (2 for 2, RBI) ground ball bounced away from second baseman Morgan Rodrigues to plate Matlock and make it 2-0.

“I felt like I had a pretty good plan coming in,” Matlock said. “(Ragsdale) knows I swing at balls up, so I really tried to lay off of her rise stuff. I just told myself there was no one better at the moment and thought about all the hours I’ve spent in the cages for that moment.

“We knew it was going to be low-scoring, so getting the lead was huge.”

That was all the support Lafata would need. She retired the last 12 in a row to secure the title and set up the dynasty talk.

“We’re looking forward to the next few years to come,” Matlock said. “When you’re in a small division like this, having a string of years like this doesn’t happen very often. It’s pretty special, and we’re grateful to be a part of it.”

This story was originally published May 16, 2015 at 8:10 PM with the headline "Underclassmen lead way in Mariposa softball’s title win."