GALT, CA (MPG) - What an exciting season it has been for the Liberty Ranch Hawks softball team. The ladies have dominated the league with a perfect 14-0 record, earning the title of league champions for the first time since 2022, and they hold a formidable overall record of 20-5.

The Hawks kicked off their playoff season on May 14 with an emphatic victory over 13th-seeded West Campus, winning decisively with a score of 13-0. The momentum carried them into the next round, where they faced Sutter at home and again emerged victorious with a commanding 13-3 win.

Junior Laura Quinn showcased her pitching prowess, throwing the entire game while allowing only five hits and three runs. Quinn also walked two batters and struck out three, demonstrating her ability to control the game from the mound. Offensively, the Hawks were on fire, with standout performances from Junior Bella Grenada, who not only recorded an infield home run but also maintained a perfect batting average with two hits, two runs and two RBIs. Other contributors included Khali Barrantes, Kaitlynn Castro, Paityn Snow (with three hits), Gracyn Graviette, Carlie Perez (two hits), Shelby Duarte and Mariella Granada each adding crucial hits to drive in runs.

After the game, Head Coach Vince Bunac addressed the team with a combination of pride and motivation, saying, “You all really rolled hard on that one! Outstanding job, everyone. If you didn’t hit well before, you hit well today. You made adjustments and did great. The energy was up, and we need to keep that momentum going into the next game. We are in uncharted territory, and I couldn’t be prouder of you ladies. There’s no reason we can’t keep this going. We are setting records. Sutter is a good team, but we showed that we are better. We’re in it to win it!”

This past Tuesday brought the ultimate test as the Hawks squared off against the formidable No. 1-seeded Casa Roble. Resilient and focused, the Hawks didn’t back down. Bella Grenada kickstarted the game with a bang, hitting a home run on the very first pitch. 

Paityn Snow also got in on the action, launching her first home run of the season, helping the Hawks secure a 4-1 victory over Casa Roble.

Once again, Laura Quinn pitched the entire game, giving up six hits and just one run while striking out four batters and walking three. Offensively, Khali Barrantes contributed with two hits and one run, while Kaitlynn Castro and Carlie Perez each recorded a hit, with Perez bringing an RBI to the score.

With this thrilling victory, the Hawks have their sights set on the section championship game scheduled for Saturday against seventh-seeded Calaveras. If the Hawks remain focused and continue their stellar performance, they have every chance to bring home their first-ever softball section championship.

The anticipation is palpable as Liberty Ranch edges closer to what could be a historic moment for the program.