YUBA CITY, CA (YSBC) - The Yuba City Honkers softball team opened the second half of the league play with a 6-1 defeat to the Nevada Union Miners on April 16.

Yuba City officially closed the first half of Foothill Valley League play on April 15 in a makeup against Twelve Bridges with an 8-5 victory where head coach Patty Gatesgame said they played one of their best defensive games of the season.

Gates said that even though they dealt with horrific winds in the victory, their defense was remarkable as the Honkers were attentive to every ball, including some web gems throughout the win.

Yuba City finished the first half of league play in a tie for third place with cross-town rival River Valley.

Yuba City sophomore Stella Gonzales (9) smacks a base hit on April 16 in the Honkers’ loss to Nevada Union. Photo by Chris Pedigo

The Honkers hit multiple rockets off of the bat within the first couple of innings against Nevada Union, but the Miners defense played phenomenally.

Yuba City sophomore Danika Alvarez started the game in the circle and Nevada Union benefited on some high-pop flies that the wind made it challenging for all defenders.

The Miners also pinpointed timely small-ball bunts in pristine situations that led to 4-0 lead after the second inning.

Alvarez pitched two innings in the loss where she gave up four runs off of five hits and two walks.

Honkers sophomore pitcher Maddison Stead tossed the final five innings and immediately shut down the Nevada Union lineup as she retired the first nine of 11 hitters, including eight strikeouts.

Stead surrendered two runs off four hits and finished with 10 pinch outs over the final five innings.

Yuba City senior Naiema Cawthon (24) records aen out during the Honkers’ loss on April 16. Photo by Chris Pedigo

Yuba City threatened to get on the scoreboard in the sixth after they had runners on second and third with one out.

Miners pitcher Jessica Rivenes struck out a main part of the heart of the Honkers lineup to get out of the jam.

Yuba City scored a run in the seventh as Alvarez hit a sacrifice fly into center as the lone run for the Honkers.

Yuba City ended the week with a double-digit loss to Roseville on Friday after the Tigers jumped out to an early-decisive lead.

Gates said that the FVL is just teams beating up on one another.

The Honkers hosted Del Campo on Tuesday. The Cougars are in first place of the FVL and Yuba City handed them their lone-league loss.

For more local sports, visit ysbcsports.com and subscribe today.