Team awaits NCS playoff fate
The Piedmont High School softball team dropped an 18-5 decision at Mt. Eden on May 11 in the opening round of the West Alameda County Conference playoffs in a game shortened to five innings due to the mercy rule. The 12-10 Highlanders await their North Coast Section playoff seeding, which will be announced May 17.
The Monarchs jumped out to an 11-0 lead in the bottom of the first and never looked back. Piedmont pitcher Talia Perl lasted just one out and allowed nine runs on six hits and three walks. Edie Elmquist came on and pitched the final 3 2/3 innings, allowing nine runs on six hits and six walks while striking out five.
Perl and Elmquist each had two hits for the Highlanders. Each had a triple and Elmquist had two RBI.
Piedmont concluded the regular season with two routs of its own.
On May 6, the Highlanders hammered visiting San Lorenzo, 27-15 in a game shortened to five innings due to the mercy rule. Elmquist was four for five with two doubles, three RBI and five runs scored. Hannah Joerger went two for three with four RBI and four runs scored. Kailee Talati went one for three with four RBI and a run. Perl was one for three with three RBI and two runs.
For the Grizzlies, Samantha Rodriguez went two for four with a double and five RBI. She also scored two runs. Madison Pareja went three for three with three runs and an RBI. Ashley Contreras went two for four with a double, three RBI and three runs.
Perl went the distance, allowing three earned runs on 10 hits and seven walks.
On May 8, Piedmont obliterated host Tennyson, 42-5. A 21-run second inning is all you need to know about the game.
Joerger, Elmquist, Hailey Navarro and Penelope Hopper each had five RBI. Elmquist and Perl each scored six runs while Samantha Schey and Mackenna Small scored five. The Highlanders had 16 hits and drew 33 walks in the game. Perl went the distance and allowed two earned runs on four hits and three walks while striking out four.