Mission Viejo, CA — With only two starters returning from last years squad, and four freshmen in the line up for the first game of the 2018 season, nerves and uncertainty could have gotten the best of the Lady Knights. This was not the case, as senior leadership, team chemistry, and talent helped pave the way to a big win against the Capistrano Valley Cougars. Leading the charge was Sam Polowski. Sam played a stellar right field, making three great plays that kept the Cougars from gaining any momentum. At the plate, Sam came through with two big hits, driving in five runs. Lalli Lopez was her usual steady self in the circle, pitching a complete game to get her first win of the season. She also contributed in a big way at the plate. Oddly, Lalli came up four times with runners on either first or first and second with no outs. In each at-bat, Lalli was asked to bunt, and in three of the four, she was successful in sacrificing, moving runners into scoring position. But in her fourth attempt, the bunt was so well placed, she was able to beat out the throw for a base-hit. Her at-bats led to five runs being scored. Other outstanding moments included Makenzie Boston smashing the ball to left field twice and knocking in two runs. Sarah Bubier's presence as the lead-off hitter caused issues all afternoon for the Cougars. Sarah reached base three times and scored three runs. Arissa Calvillo had two scorching hits and played great at second base on short notice. Emma Paul was a rock behind the plate, and nearly hit one out in her first high school at-bat. It was absolutely a total team effort, and a product of the hard work the girls have been putting in for the last four months. Enjoy the victory, but be ready to get back to work on Monday. GO KNIGHTS!!