Lady Jags defeated to first round of playoffs

Softball players punched their playoff tickets with a 20-1 romp at College of the Desert.

Unfortunately for the Lady Jags, the ride was short. Softball season ended with a first round loss to Cypress College.

Head coach Yasmin Mossadeghi said the team is still on the right trajectory, crawling out of decades of mediocrity into three straight playoff appearances.

“The group was young, but challenged the former state champions very well,” she said. “To play an opponent like that which had an undefeated season last year can be intimidating, but this group didn’t care and went into it doing what they do.”

After a rough start, the Lady Jaguars turned it around at just the right point, said Mossadeghi.

“We had games when we were giving up 10 or more hits and it makes it a little more difficult for the defense to really hold runs,” she said. “It occurred many times with teams that it could have been avoided with.”

Next year’s team looks formidable. Only four sophomores are leaving. Mossadeghi said the Lady Jaguars will need to learn from the errors of 2018.

“I really like that they have postseason experience going into next year,” she said. “They will have higher expectations into making it to round two.”

Pitching coach Mami Tagawa said the team had a great vibe.

“I know they have to focus and improve,” she said. “I just want to see them smiling and having fun regardless if they are practicing or having a game.”

Mossadeghi said she expects the Lady Jaguars to be more competitive next season — if they work hard.

“It is a must for them to (score early),” she said. “We need to (keep) other players in the game.”

Tagawa said she saw great improvement from freshman pitcher Trudie Nixon, who pitched in almost every game.

“She was struggling at the beginning of the season,” said Tagawa. “Trudie broke through towards the end of the season, which was amazing to see.”

It was the first time Nixon pitched at the California Community College Athletic Association playoffs.

“I think I did very well considering the team that we were playing against,” she said. “When we got there, I saw their state banners, which intimidated me a little bit, but I think we did insanely well. I am very proud of the way I did keeping my composure.”

Nixon’s was named First Team PCAC, along with freshman center fielder Cassie Van Til.

“I feel pretty honored, I know it is always a thing to make First Team,” said Van Til.

Mossadeghi said 2019 could be epic.

“I am really excited about what the girls have done,” she said. “It means that they can only get better from here.”