SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - In an unforgettable season marked by resilience and determination, the Liberty Ranch softball team made history by reaching the section title game at Cosumnes River College for the first time ever. Though their championship dreams fell short against the formidable Calaveras Red Hawks, the spirit and skill displayed by this group of athletes will be remembered for years to come.

The Hawks entered the title game on a remarkable 14-game winning streak, boasting a perfect 14-0 record in league play, which secured them the league title for the first time in several seasons. However, this remarkable run faced its greatest challenge yet when they met Calaveras, led by standout pitcher Kamryn Thornburg, ranked among the top 10 pitchers nationally and the best in California’s Sac Joaquin section.

Thornburg proved to be a force on the mound, striking out an astonishing 14 batters, hitting two during their at-bats, and allowing only three hits over the course of seven innings. The Hawks struggled to find their rhythm against her overpowering pitching, with many of Calaveras’ hits dangerously flirting with the outfield fence.

Despite the odds, Liberty Ranch showcased its fighting spirit. Kahali Barrantes managed to secure one of the Hawks’ hits and capitalized on it to score a run. It was Carlie Perez, however, who delivered a moment of exhilaration—a much-needed spark—when she hit her first home run of the season late in the sixth inning, bringing home the second run for Liberty Ranch. 

Reflecting on her celebratory moment, Perez stated, “I went to bat just knowing that we had to get a hit in order to continue on with the game. I knew it was the bottom of the sixth and it was do or die and it was our seniors’ last game. I just kind of did it for them.”

Despite the sting of the 9-2 loss to Calaveras, the emotions of the day resonated deeply with the team, their coaches and the supportive community. Assistant Coach Paul Castro articulated the sentiments of the coaching staff, emphasizing, “I am as proud as any coach can be. We had an amazing year during my second season coaching. We cannot let this one game define our season. It was absolutely amazing.”

Head Coach Vince Bunac, navigating uncharted territory with his team, echoed these sentiments in earnest. 

“This wasn’t the way I expected to end our awesome season,” he admitted. “We faced a pitcher we couldn’t figure out, and we struggled to string hits together. Today, a good team beat us, and I have to give them props.”

Yet Bunac remains hopeful for the future as he looks ahead, despite losing a talented senior class. 

“We won’t let this define our season. These young ladies played their hearts out and always figured out ways to win games; this one just slipped away from us. I will really miss this senior class, as they meant so much to me and their teammates. I have never been prouder of any of my teams as much as this one. We only lose three players after this season, so there is a lot to look forward to next year. Let’s do this!”

As the Liberty Ranch Hawks reflect on their historic journey, they carry with them the lessons of perseverance and teamwork, setting a foundation for even greater triumphs in the coming seasons. The bonds forged during this season will undoubtedly be the source of inspiration as they prepare to rise again.