Central Catholic’s underclassmen provide offensive spark in shutout win over Oakdale
Taryn Calderon and Madison Harrison are starting to find their groove. They can feel it.
The pair of underclassmen admit they have not met their personal standards offensively this season, but they showed up big in a Tuesday afternoon rivalry game against Valley Oak League opponent Oakdale High.
Calderon came through with a single and Harrison had an extra base hit to led an offensive burst in the bottom of the fourth inning that broke the game open, powering the Raiders (18-3, 5-0 VOL) to a 6-0, seven-inning victory that set them alone atop the VOL standings in the final two weeks of the regular season.
“It felt really good because I haven’t been hitting the best,” Harrison said. “Being able to execute like I’ve been practicing every single practice felt really good.”
Calderon isn’t new to Central Catholic softball. The sophomore was on last year’s section finalist team but did not play after transferring from Modesto High. Sitting out gave her the chance to see the game differently.
“The girls here come out to compete,” she said. “Watching them get hyped in the dugout made me want to get hyped and made my confidence build up even if I wasn’t playing. I was just ready to go. And then coming onto the field this year, I still have that confidence I felt last year being with them.”
After playing catcher most of her life, she switched to shortstop. Head coach Sam Nichols said she often stays after practice and games to field ground balls. Her strong arm, work ethic and athleticism have combined to make for a smooth transition.
“She was here in the dugout with us so she got to see this but couldn’t participate,” Nichols said. “She’s gone through the process … and she’s a worker.”
Not only does Harrison have one of the most physically demanding jobs as a catcher, but being a freshman catching for Cal-bound Randi Roelling has forced her to raise her level of play quicker than most her age.
“I just have to be ready for anything because her balls move, so that’s a big difference between her and my age pitchers,” she said. “I have to hold myself accountable.”
Said Nichols: “I call her a Stanford kid, she’s super smart. She struggled early with just getting caught up with the speed of the game, but she took constructive criticism. She’s worked hard to get to this point.”
Roelling was dominant in the circle once again, striking out 14 batters and allowing just two hits in a complete seven innings of work. Oakdale’s Delainey Everett, a Mississippi State signee, struck out nine batters.
Both got their first taste of the Central Catholic-Oakdale rivalry and admitted they had some nerves. The Raiders and Mustangs each entered the matchup 4-0 in league play.
“I was honestly still shaky after my first hit when I was on base,” Calderon recalled. “But as the game continued, I was able to ease myself in.”
Once they settled in, the production came fast.
Harrison doubled, scoring Emry Couch, who reached on a leadoff single, and Emori Machado, who reached on a fielder’s choice. Four batters later, Calderon’s single scored Harrison’s courtesy runner, Sarah Soto and Jazmarie Roberts, who walked.
“Pulling through today was honestly the best feeling I’ve had all year,” Calderon said. “It’s something I can’t even explain.”
They produced four of the Raiders’ five runs in the bottom of the fourth inning, helping turn a narrow 1-0 lead to a 6-0 advantage. Harrison’s double was her only hit of the game, while Calderon went 2-for-2 with a pair of singles and a walk.
“It’s big because if we start getting production from our young people and the second half of our lineup, we’re going to be awesome,” Nichols said. “We’ve been waiting for that. … I know they’re capable of doing it.”
The Raiders finish the week with a Wednesday matchup against East Union, while the Mustangs (14-6, 4-1 VOL) host third-place Manteca on Thursday.
