Stanford Softball defeats Cal to close out Stanford Invitational

In a game that began with two KOs from sophomore pitcher Zoe Prystajko, followed by a lead-off double from senior second baseman Taryn Kern, Stanford Softball (5-0, 0-0 ACC) defeated the University of California, Berkeley (1-4, 0-0 ACC), 7-2. 

The Cardinal put up four runs in the first inning, with an RBI from senior shortstop River Mahler, a two-run RBI from junior catcher Ava Gall, and one from senior right fielder Kyra Chan.

The success in the first inning was influenced by a surplus of energy from triumphs earlier in the weekend. Stanford’s victory over Cal was just the conclusion to a weekend that featured two victories over Oklahoma State (3-2, 0-0 Big 12) and two over San Jose State (1-4, 0-0 Mountain West). 

Three consecutive innings saw three batters up and three batters down for the Golden Bears with Prystajko on the mound.

“I thought Zoe just set an excellent tone in the circle,” said head coach Jessica Allister. 

The entire weekend saw an exceptional performance from Stanford’s pitchers.

“Everyone in our pitching staff came out here,” said Gall. “We had some freshman hitters get their first hits, first home runs. It was so cool to see the entire roster be able to have some sort of win.”

The Cardinal roster exercised both its breadth and depth this weekend, featuring strong performances from veterans and freshmen.

“Our lineup is great from first to nine,” said sophomore first baseman Joie Economides. 

“I personally think this is the deepest team that we’ve had in my time here,” said Gall. “There’s no holes, no one to pitch around. And it’s such a good feeling.”

The depth in the lineup, especially in a four-run inning, really brings spirit to the dugout.

“Once, first top of the lineup gets on, it’s gonna be a rally,” Economides said. Energy in the dugout and the stands started with opening night on Thursday, and evidently carried throughout the top of the seventh on Sunday.

“I think when we walked into the locker room on Thursday, we could tell that there was something in the air,” Gall said. “The support from the area, the fans, everyone, the energy, [Thursday] literally felt like a postseason game.”

Saturday welcomed Stanford Softball Alumni to the field before playing San Jose State.

“Having the alumni back and then playing as well as we did in front of them, you know, you always want to make the women who wore the jersey before you proud,” said Allister.

“Every time I put a Stanford jersey on, I’m so happy,” Gall said, speaking to the heart of Stanford Softball. “I have so much pride in wearing Stanford across my chest.”

The supportive and proud team dynamic of Stanford Softball was evident this weekend, contributing to their success on the diamond.

“It’s a good squad. It’s a good team. They put in the work. They believe in each other. They’re confident with one another,” Allister said.

“To be able to get all of those wins with a good margin, we’re feeling great for how this season is going to look,” Gall said on behalf of the Cardinal.

The weekend ended with seven home runs, two run-rule victories, a rivalry win against Cal, a .967 field percentage, a .402 batting average, and a pitching staff with a cumulative 2.48 ERA.

Gall’s explanation of the Cardinal’s philosophy looking towards the rest of the season is simple: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

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