On May 20th, the Rocklin varsity girls’ softball team played against the Vacaville Bulldogs in their semifinal game for the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs. With the game neck and neck, going into extra innings, Rocklin came through with the win, scoring the walk-off run in the eighth inning for a 6–5 victory. Sophomore pitcher Payton Pryor threw 170 pitches and recorded 10 strikeouts, playing a major role in the win. She also contributed offensively with one RBI to help power Rocklin’s six runs. “I knew we had it, and that we were going to fight back and get the dub,” Pryor said.
Leading into the end of the intense game, Cat Alston scored the winning run, diving headfirst into home, dodging the tag, and securing the victory for her team. Looking ahead to the championship game against the Whitney Wildcats, Alston said, “Today’s game was an off-hitting day, but with our good camaraderie, I think we will pull through for the championship.” Fueled by positive energy and strong motivation, Rocklin heads into the final game of the playoffs. With last year’s section title and Monday night’s win under their belt, the Thunder ride high into the championship game against Whitney on Saturday, May 24.
