This one is for the books. Louisville softball dominated the High Desert Classic Tournament (March 12 – 14), winning all four games and earning the first-ever tournament title for Louisville. This team has disproved past records and is on the road to a successful season.
The Louisville Royals beat Boron 1-0, Antelope Valley 18-4, Quartz Hills 7-0, and defeated Rosamund in the final, 5-4.
On Thursday, the first game was marked by a no-hitter thrown by junior Emma Detamore, who is verbally committed to Portland State University. Next, the Royals put their bats to the ball and came out on top with a score of 18-4 against Antelope Valley.
Louisville faced Quartz Hills on Saturday. Detamore had a perfect game, striking out 18 of the 21 batters. Detamore received MVP Tournament honors for her outstanding performance during the tournament. Additionally, freshmen Delaney Cohen, Peyton Anton and Jordan Cleary earned all-tournament honors for Louisville.
In the final battle against Rosamund, tensions were running high. Louisville was down, 4-2, in the sixth inning with two out. Freshman Petyon Anton came to the plate and hit a triple, scoring two more runs, which tied the score, 4-4. Freshman Delaney Cohen then hit a single which brought in the winning run and guaranteed Louisville’s first place title in the tournament.
“Louisville softball in the past was seen as a joke, but things are definitely starting to turn around. To win this tournament means so much to us,” said sophomore Ali Pfahler.
Although almost half of the team are freshmen (five out of 11), Louisville is a force to be reckoned with. Louisville’s current record: 11 wins, 6 losses, and 3 ties.
Last season in 2014, the Royals won the first league game in 22 years against Flintridge Sacred Heart, and Louisville softball has made history again with this title.
“Louisville has a very bright future. The girls are strong and determined and I could not be more proud to be a part of this team,” Detamore said.
Look out, because Louisville softball is going to continue to make history this upcoming spring season.
-Leah de Leon