Scots faced off against two big rivals in back-to-back games
Tuesday, May 26, the Scots took the field one last time for the East Bay Middle School League Championship in a road game rematch against their heated rivals from across Hwy 13, the Montera Middle School Toros. After a rousing rendition of the National Anthem led by player representatives from each team, the game got underway.
As was often the case throughout the season, pitching was once again the star of the show as 8th grade aces Madi Farboud and Bailey Gregovich would end up throwing a combined no-hitter through 6 nail-biting innings. The duo stifled the Toros normally potent offense allowing zero earned runs and posting 9K against a team that previously averaged 13 runs per game. The score was tied 2-2 through 6 innings thanks to aggressive base running from Bailey Gregovich and 6th grader Cate Penrod, who each took advantage of some sloppy throws to score on close plays at the plate.
The Scots dugout was charged up as the game headed to the extra frame, but alas their championship dreams would be undone by a passed ball and a fielder’s choice that allowed the winning run for Montera to score in the bottom of the 7th.
Annual exhibition game
The dramatic close to the season was preceded by the annual exhibition game that once again pitted the Scots against the parents and coaches in a Memorial Day matchup at Witter field. With the all-time series knotted at 1-1, the Non-Kids looked to have a secure 8-3 lead heading into the final inning before giving up 5 runs in an error-filled 5th that ended the game in a tie. The adults still claimed a moral victory however as all were able to leave the field under their own power and injury-free.
The 2026 softball season represented only the second year of the Middle School program.
The Scots closed the season as the runner up in both leagues that they played in this season, finishing 13-4, and they were the only team to win a match against the Toros (16-1). As the 8th grade leaders Abby Gregovich, Bailey Gregovich, Madi Farboud, Sarina Hill, and Simone Tornatore move on to Piedmont High School next year, the Scots look forward to continued strong contributions from players like rising 8th grader Mackenzie Ewen (.515 avg/16 RBI) and rising 7th graders, Keira Spina (.462 avg/12 RBI) and Clara Blanchard (10 RBI) next spring.
Photos courtesy of Esther Cheung Hill