July 17, 2024
LAKE ELSINORE, CA – Throwing a changeup take a fair bit of courage in high-level softball, with all those talented hitters out there who might like the idea of not facing screeching fastballs all day.
Alyssa Loza of the 16u NW Bullets-Hornback floated one high in the zone and got the strikeout she wanted to end the first inning of the team’s game Tuesday against Power Source Walling/Pearlstein. That willingness to be fearless helped Loza control matters in the circle the rest of the way as the Bullets pocketed an 11-3 run-rule victory in five innings at the TC Nationals, produced by Triple Crown Sports.
The Bullets earned a spot in the 16u Pool A winner’s half and will have two chances Wednesday at the Rosetta Canyon Sports Complex to advance to the championship bracket.
Loza allowed six hits and notched five strikeouts, with the only troubling inning being the top of the fifth when Power Source scored three runs. But that was mostly fueled by an inaccurate throw from the outfield – Loza held up fine from start to finish, often bedeviling the opposition with that changeup.
“I think it’s an important pitch because I throw a lot of drop pitches, which is faster,” she said. “The changeup will throw them off and gets them on their toes. It’s something they just don’t expect, and it really feels good to get a strikeout on it, even a strike or swing and miss.
“With the offense, a lot of if it is trust, and I tell myself to trust my teammates. I know they will be giving it their all every play and be there for me when I need it.”
“I really feel that chemistry on the field, and how much we trust each other,” said Bullets catcher Sierra Llamas, who is a college softball commit to Portland State. “Everyone contributed and did their part. We’re building our confidence back up and using that momentum to move forward from previous games.”
The Bullets backed up Loza with the by scoring two runs each in innings 2-4. The first important swing was a two-run single from Jordyn Henderson, and the lead grew on two-run homers from Scarlett Nagy (Dartmouth) and Berkleigh Tuck (Cal Baptist).
In the bottom of the fifth, the Bullets were patient in the wearying afternoon sun, using three walks and an error to get bodies on the basepaths.
“Alyssa has grown as a pitcher over the last several months. She’s developed a drop ball and the ability to mix in a rise if she needs to, and that change of speeds will keep them honest,” said Bullets coach Nate Hornback. “Softball is game of failure, and you have ups and downs …Berkleigh has been in kind of a drought, but she’s trusting the process. A lot of girls are growing up, learning how to play up at a higher level and working together. It’s a great group that pulls for each other.”
Sofia Simone had two hits for Power Source, and Kaylin Phillips had a solo home run.
