The Vaqueros women’s softball team struggled against a tough East L.A. squad, losing both games of the doubleheader 7-0, at Pershing Park on Saturday.

The East L.A. Huskies were too much for the Vaqueros to handle. East L.A. came out firing with efficient pitching and hitting.

“We’re having a hard time getting hits right now,” said City College pitcher Gabby Garza.

The Vaqueros committed costly errors in the 4th and 5th innings of the first game and the opposing Huskies capitalized with good base running.

After trailing 5-0 after five innings of play in the first game, the Vaqueros showed composure with some critical hits by Lauren Gniadek, Bianca Alvarez, and Brianne Bagwell.

The Huskies outfield responded to the Vaqueros’ surge with a big time throw from center field that tagged runner Bianca Alvarez out at home to end the inning, silencing the building momentum of the Vaqs.

Huskies’ pitcher Vanessa Salinas led her team on and off the field. Striking out Vaquero hitters left and right, getting on base, and encouraging her teammates.

Vaqueros’ fielders showed flashes of brilliance on defense – executing several impressive double plays. Despite the crafty teamwork on the diamond, a few major mistakes and a lack of offense kept the women from getting it done at home.

“If we can limit our errors and make contact with the ball we should be a much tougher team,” Garza said.

The Huskies consistent pitching and strong hitting down the stretch proved too much for the Vaqueros to compete with.

Vaquero coach Paula Congleton urged her players to make contact with the ball. “Our bats just weren’t there,” said returning 2nd basemen Erin Breck, “This is a good East L.A. team, but I know we can play better and compete with them.”

The second game ended in similar 7-0 defeat, leaving Santa Barbara fans in disgust.

After being rained out several weekends in a row, the Vaqueros were coming off a big victory against L.A. Valley on Thursday. The two losses in the doubleheader leave them with a 1-5 season record.

With the weather clearing up in Santa Barbara this week, the Vaquero girls should get some quality batting practice and time to prepare for their three upcoming away games – all against league opponents this week.

The next Vaquero home game is at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday March 3 at Pershing Park.