Josh Whitehead / The SWC Sun
MEXICAN STANDOFF—CETYS University and Southwestern College played the first-ever athletic contest between international teams. Southwestern won the game, but players
from both teams said they came away winners.
By Gabriel Gordillo
TIJUANA—Jaguar softball has gone international.
Southwestern College squared off against los Zorros of Tijuana’s CETYS University in the first ever international athletic contest.
Even though the colleges are less than 10 miles apart, the distance can seem vast when an international border is factored in – particularly in the Age of Trump.
SWC star Gloria “Go-Go” Morales called it a great experience.
“I enjoy meeting new girls and developing friendships,” she said. “There is nothing more enjoyable than being able to play the sport at a high level. Being on the softball team here at Southwestern has taught me so much about not only the game, but myself as a person.”
Morales said she enjoys the comradery, but when it comes time to play, it’s game on. Her third inning double started the Jaguars’ route of los Zorros.
It was a solid coming out game for the Lady Jaguars, according to head coach Michael Gross. It gave him an opportunity to get a pre-season look at his players in action.
“I like to get everyone involved,” he said. “I like to get everyone a chance to play (and) get an at bat. I need to see who my starters are and I need to see who I can count on.”
Southwestern has many new faces, including freshman Lynette Demumbra.
“Being from San Diego, and not Chula Vista, I didn’t know any girls coming into this program,” she said. “I’m glad I joined because I feel lucky to have made great friendships with some of the girls.”
Centro de Ensenanza Tecnica y Superior (CETYS) is a highly-regarded science and engineering university in the order of a California Polytechnical university like San Luis Obispo, Cal Tech or Humboldt. It is a 15 drive from the border and accepts American students. Southwestern has been exploring ways to build a meaningful relationship with CETYS and other Northern Baja California universities.
