Softball Past Season Highlights & Results
Softball 2022-2023 Season
Panthers Fall Short to Gauchos on Senior Day
April 24, 2023—On a beautiful Monday afternoon at Brady Park, the Varsity Softball team celebrated Senior Day and played host to their cross-town rivals, the El Cerrito High Gauchos. This game was a back-and-forth affair the entire way. The Panthers struck first with 2 runs in the first inning as Sophomore third baseman, Aoife Shen, singled and then stole her way to third. Senior center fielder, Malaika Weaver, would knock in Shen with an RBI single. Then, a walk to Junior shortstop, Taylor Zweben, a stolen base, and passed ball allowed Malaika to score.
In the third, the Gauchos would response as they would load the bases with two walks and a single and then hit a grand slam. Then, an error in the outfield allowed another Gaucho baserunner to reach safely, who would then be knocked in on an RBI double, giving the Gauchos a 5-2 lead. The Panthers answered in the bottom half of the third when Senior catcher, Alleyah Bowers, reached base safely on an error to set up Malaika for a 2-run homer, cutting the deficit to 1 run. However, the Gauchos would get both runs back in the fourth inning on multiple walks and an RBI double. However, The Panthers came into their half of the inning hot as Seniors Ayana Dalessio, Frida Virgil, and Liza Rosen loaded the bases for Malaika Weaver and Junior, Faith Goodlow, to knock them all in. Another walk for Taylor loaded the bases again to set up Sophomore pitcher, Meilani Abraham, for a bases clearing triple. She later scored on an RBI single by Ayana Dalessio in her second at-bat of the inning to give the Panthers an 11-7 lead.
The Gauchos immediately erased that lead in the fifth with two walks, a double, a couple productive groundouts, and a home run to make it 12-11 Gauchos. The Panthers tied the game in the bottom half with a single by Aoife Shen and a double by Malaika Weaver. After that, unfortunately, the Panthers seemed to run out of gas. The Gauchos scored 4 more times in the last two innings and claimed a 16-12 victory. This was the highest scoring game for the Panthers this season, yet they still came up short. Malaika said after the game that the biggest key in those situations is to forgive and forget. They need to forgive themselves for not doing well at something in one game and push themselves even harder in the next game. She also said energy in the dugout is key because when everyone is cheering loudly, it clears everyone’s mind from whatever error occurred. The best way to make up for an error on defense, is with a big hit on offense.
The Panthers will have to turn the page quickly as they will play the very same Gauchos on Wednesday, April 26th, at El Cerrito High School. First pitch is set for 4:00PM.
Panthers Drop Rivalry Match to Salesian
April 21, 2023—On a pleasant Friday afternoon at Brady Park on the campus of Saint Mary’s College High School, the Panthers hosted their biggest rivals, the Salesian Pride, in one of the biggest matchups for the team this season. Unfortunately, though, it was another rough day on the pitching and defensive side of the ball for the Panthers as Salesian would take advantage of a few critical miscues, scoring 6 runs in the first inning on only one hit.
However, the Panthers would answer with two runs of their own in the bottom half of the inning with hits by seniors Alleyah Bowers and Malaika Weaver, as well as Sophomore, Aoife Shen. However, The Pride would answer the Panthers two-run inning by getting both of those runs back in the second inning and adding one more in the third.
In the bottom of the third, Aoife doubled and later scored on a Salesian error. In the fourth inning, there was a little drama as Senior Ayana Dalessio reached first on a walk. Then, on what would have been an RBI hit by Alleyah, the umpires could not agree on the call when Alleyah advanced to third. However, they ultimately put the runners back on second and third, the run would be negated, and they would both be stranded. Eventually, those two made up for it in the sixth inning with a single by Ayana, followed by a 2-run homerun by Alleyah to cut the deficit to 9-5. However, it would prove to be too little, too late, as the Panthers would go down by the score of 18-7.
The Panthers will have to put this one behind them and shift their focus to Monday, April 24th, when play host to the El Cerrito High Gauchos. The Panthers will also be celebrating Senior Day prior to the game as the team will honor six of their Seniors. Game time is set for 4pm at Brady Park.
Panthers Top Titans in Non-League Battle 14-7
April 17, 2023—On a Monday afternoon in Hercules, California, the Varsity Softball Team traveled to Hercules High School to take on the Titans in a non-league battle. The game featured a lot of offense and quality hitting from both teams, but the Panthers would be the ones with more offensive firepower, giving them the 14-7 victory.
The Panthers offense were led by Senior, Frida Vergil, who would hit a critical bases-clearing triple; Junior infielder, Taylor Zweben, would hit another home run in the game, already adding to her impressive home run totals for the season; and Sophomore infielder, Aoife Shen, would have four hits on the day.
The Panthers will now shift their focus to Wednesday, April 19th, as they will travel on the road for the second straight game to take on their longtime rival, the Salesian Pride. First pitch is set for 4:00PM.
Panthers Lose to Spartans in TCAL Showdown
April, 5, 2023—On a Wednesday afternoon at Brady Park, the Varsity Softball Team played host to one of the top teams in the Tri-Country Athletic League (TCAL), the Pinole Valley Spartans. It was a tough day for the Panthers as the Spartans would score early and often in the contest by pushing 13 runs across the plate after the first 3 innings thanks to their solid lineup as well as a few critical miscues by the Panthers defense.
The Panthers would show signs of life in the 4th inning as their Senior leader and outfielder, Margaret Weaver, would get the Panthers going with a triple. Weaver would then be brought home by an RBI groundout by Junior utility player, Faith Goodlow. However, it would prove to be too little, too late for the Panthers as the Spartans would win the game by the score of 13-1.
After the game, Senior outfielder, Frida Vergil commented on what the team needs to do to put this game behind them and get back on the right track, “the team needs to not focus on their mistakes so much in order to get into the right mindset.”
The Panthers will look to get back on track next week as they will host the John Swett High Warriors in a non-league battle on Tuesday, April 12th, at Brady Park. First pitch is set for 4:00PM.
Panthers Beat Dons 11-6, Win 3rd Straight.
Friday, March 24—On a Friday afternoon at Brady Park, the Panthers took on the De Anza High Dons of El Sobrante, California, looking to win their 3rd straight game of the season. The Panthers jumped on the Dons early, giving themselves a comfortable 9-2 lead early in the game. However, in the top of the 7th inning, the Dons would make a late push that would eventually come up just short as the Panthers would win by the score of 11-6.
The Panthers were led by Senior right-hander, Alleyah Bowers, who threw a strong 5 2/3 innings where she struck out 9 Dons batters. Offensively, the Panthers were led by the Senior duo of Margaret Weaver and Taylor Zweben who would go for a combined 7-8 at the plate, 3 doubles, and 8 RBIs between the two of them.
The Panthers will look to extend their winning streak when they play host to the Berkeley High Yellowjackets on Monday, March 27th. First pitch is set for 4:00PM.
Softball Gets 1st Win of Season with 12-Run Outburst
Monday, March 20—On a sunny day at Brady Park, the Varsity Softball Team took to the diamond in their home opener of the season against the St. Joseph Notre Dame High Pilots of Alameda, California, searching for their first win of the season. As a matter of fact, thanks to an offensive outburst and strong pitching, the Panthers would achieve just that as they would defeat the Pilots in decisive fashion by the score of 12-2.
The Panthers got a very strong pitching performance from Sophomore right-hander, Meilani Abraham, as she would pitch 6 innings while only giving up 2 runs. Offensively, the Panthers would get a lot of contribution from the entire lineup, but the day would belong to Junior second baseman, Taylor Zweben, as she would go 4 for 4 on the day and even hit for the cycle as she would hit a single, a double, a triple, and a grand slam to cap off her day at the yard.
The Panthers will look to build off of their decisive win as they will travel to El Sobrante to take on the De Anza Dons in a non-league battle on Wednesday, March 22nd. First pitch is scheduled for 4pm.
Softball 2022-2023 Schedule & Results
| DATE | OPPONENT | SITE | TIME |
| Wednesday, February 15th | San Rafael (Scrimmage) | San Rafael, CA | 4:00PM |
| Friday, February 17th | Piedmont | Piedmont, CA | (L) 1-5 |
| Wednesday, February 22nd | John Swett | Crockett, CA | (L) 8-17 |
| Friday, February 24th | Berkeley | Brady Field | Postponed |
| Monday, February 27th | Hercules | Brady Field | Postponed |
| Tuesday, March 14th | Jesse Bethel | Vallejo, CA | Postponed |
| Friday, March 17th | San Leandro | San Leandro, CA | (L) 2-12 |
| Monday, March 20th | St. Joe's | Brady Field | (W) 12-2 |
| Thursday, March 23rd | De Anza | El Sobrante, CA | (W) 27-12 |
| Friday, March 24th | De Anza | Brady Field | (W) 11-6 |
| Monday, March 27th | Berkeley | Brady Field | (L) 0-16 |
| Friday, March 31st | Albany | Brady Field | (L) 9-18 |
| Wednesday, April 5th | Pinole Valley | Brady Field | (L) 1-13 |
| Friday, April 7th | Pinole Valley | Pinole, CA | (L) 0-10 |
| Tuesday, April 11th | John Swett | Brady Field | Postponed |
| Thursday, April 13th | SPSV | Vallejo, CA | (L) FF |
| Saturday, April 15th | SPSV | Brady Field | (W) 19-8 |
| Monday, April 17th | Hercules | Hercules, CA | (W) 14-7 |
| Wednesday, April 19th | Salesian | Richmond, CA | (L) 13-3 |
| Friday, April 21st | Salesian | Brady Field | (L) 18-7 |
| Monday, April 24th | El Cerrito (Senior Day) | Brady Field | (L) 12-16 |
| Wednesday, April 26th | El Cerrito | El Cerrito, CA | (L) 10-11 |
| Thursday, April 27th | Albany | Albany Middle School | (L) 6-8 |
Softball 2021-2022 Season
Softball Hold Off Hercules, Claims TCAL Stone Division Title!
May 14th, 2022
Berkeley, CA - Playing in the friendly confines of their own Brady Park field, the Saint Mary's softball team relied on clutch hitting, smart base running, and timely defense to hold off a pesky Hercules Titans squad, 13-12 to claim the TCAL Stone Division Championship. A four run first inning followed by a five run third highlighted the win.
Individually, senior Layla Michelson was one of the offensive stars for the Panthers - collecting 4 hits, driving in 4 runs while also scoring 3 runs herself. "Layla was great today," said first year head coach Enrique Gonzalez. "We needed every hit and every run and she came through at just the right time."
Freshman Aoife Shen also had a big game for the league champions. She was 2 for 4 and scored a team high 4 runs. Teammate and reigning TCAL MVP Malaika Weaver also provided her normal offense punch with 3 hits, while fellow junior Alleyah Bowers scored 2 crucial runs.
Next up for the Panthers is a first round NCS game against the Salesian Pride on Tuesday, May 17th. The game will be played at Salesian at 5:00 pm.
Softball Team One Win Away From TCAL Title!
May 11th, 2022
Berkeley, CA - A few days after crowding the TCAL All-League teams, the Saint Mary's softball team solidified their selections and showed off their talent with an overwhelming 16-4 league semifinal win against visiting John Swett. After scoring 5 runs in the first inning, the Panthers exploded for 9 more in the 4th to force an early mercy rule ending. Aoife Shen and Alleyah Bowers had two hits apiece, Malaika Weaver and Layla Michelson both scored 3 times, and Melani Abraham pitched all 5 innings - striking out 2 while giving up just one earned run while also hitting a home run - to highlight the win.
Next up for the Panthers is the TCAL Stone Division Championship game on Friday at 4:00 pm against Hercules. First pitch is at 4:00 pm.
Malaika Weaver Named TCAL Most Valuable Player!
May 3rd, 2022
Berkeley, CA - After finishing the regular season a perfect 11-0 in the TCAL, the 1st place Panthers were awarded several all-league awards on Tuesday, including the Most Valuable Player award which went to junior Malaika Weaver. Malaika's season, like her teams, was certainly impressive. She batted .630 in league play, with 7 home runs, 7 doubles and 17 RBI's. Joining Malaika as a 1st Team All-League selection were freshman Meilani Abraham and junior Alleyah Bowers. 2nd Team selections included sophomore Taylor Zweben and seniors Layla Michelson and Faith Goodlow. Freshman Aoife Shen and junior Ayana Dalessio were named honorable mention selections. The team is currently ranked #4 in the NCS and will enjoy a first round bye in the league playoffs. The team will again on Wednesday, May 11th at a site yet to be determined.
Congratulations to Coach Gonzalez and the entire Panther Softball Team!
Seniors Lead The Way on Senior Day!
April 25th, 2022
Berkeley, CA - Playing in their final home game, the Saint Mary's softball team scored 5 runs in the first inning and 11 in the second to run away with a 16-0 win against the visiting Richmond Oilers on Monday. The team was led by player of the game Layla Michelson who went 2 for 2 with a grand slam and 5 RBI's. Fellow senior Emi Akiyama Tahara pitched 2 innings of 1 hit ball to also help seal the win.
With the win, the Panthers moved to 9-5 overall on the season and are currently in a first place tie in the Tri-County Stone division. Their final TCAL game is a road game on Wednesday against the same Richmond High team. First pitch is at 4:00 pm. TCAL League playoffs begin on May 4th.
Team Enjoys A Saturday of NCAA Softball
April 11th, 2022
Palo Alto, CA - The Saint Mary's Girl's Softball team enjoyed a Saturday away from their own diamond as they traveled to Palo Alto to enjoy an afternoon of NCAA softbal action between the #2 ranked UCLA Bruins and the Stanford Cardinal. The trip was organized by parent groups while Coach Gonzalez made time to drive the team to and from the Stanford campus. UCLA had won 25 games in a row but was upended by a walk-off win by the Cardinal! Big thanks to parents, coaches and players for a great outing!
Panthers Take Wild 13-11 Win Against John Swett
April 1st, 2022
Berkeley, CA - Two days after posting a 12-3 drubbing of John Swett, the Saint Mary's softball team once again beat the Warriors but this time the victory was hardly a drubbing. The Warriors took an early lead before the scrappy Panthers staged a late comeback to post a wild 13-11 win. Video highlights of the win are above, while photos of the Panthers in action are below!
Player Profile: Layla Michelson
by Hailey Vines
March 18th, 2022
Layla Michelson is a senior captain on the Varsity Girl’s Softball team. Off the field, Layla loves to hang out with friends and has a strong interest in fashion, especially collecting sneakers. On the field, Layla is a key to the team and has shown her grit and competitive spirit throughout her seasons at Saint Mary’s. Her fierce heart has caught the attention of a number of college recruits. Last November Layla made a final decision to commit to DII Pace University. Below you can read about her excitement for the future, her advice to newcomers, and some insights on what this season has looked like for the Panthers.
Q: What do you like best about your team at Saint Mary’s?
A: I really like the energy we bring. I feel we all encourage each other and no matter the score, we continue to keep the energy up.
Q: Describe the best moment you’ve had in the season so far? A great hit? A memorable team moment?
A: My most memorable moment was definitely our first game. Although we were losing, everyone had such an amazing attitude. I came up to the plate with bases loaded and hit a grand slam. As I ran around the bases the support and cheers I got from my team waiting for me at home plate is unforgettable.
Q: Have there been any significant changes in you as a player over the years? How have you become the player you are today?
A: I think the most significant change I’ve gone through over the years is definitely my mental game. I never realized how important the mental aspect of sports is. Developing my mental strength, specifically working on not getting too discouraged after making mistakes, has helped make become more resilient and I think I’m a better athlete today because of it.
Q: What is your pregame ritual? Do you have a specific meal, or chant you do before games?
A: I meditate before every game. It helps me get in my zone, focus on the game, visualize my success, and ease any anxiety I have about playing.
Q: What is your best advice to newcomers on the softball team?
A: Trust the process! I only started taking softball seriously two years ago, so I understand what it’s like to be new to the sport. It took consistency and hard work to get me where I am today. I contemplated quitting many times but never did. Never give up!
Q: Now that you’re committed, what excites you most about your future in playing college softball?
A: I’m excited about the bonds I’m going to make with my new teammates and being able to travel to new places while playing the sport I love.
10 Run First Inning Leads to Big Softball Win!
March 16th, 2022
Softballers Open Season Victorious!
February 25th, 2022
Varsity 2021-2022 Schedule & Results
| Day | Date | Opponent | Location | Time | Result |
| Friday | 02/25/2022 | Hercules | Brady Field | 4:00 pm | (W) 10-6 |
| Wednesday | 03/02/2022 | Kennedy | Kennedy High School | 4:00 pm | (W) 12-8 |
| Friday | 03/04/2022 | Kennedy | Brady Field | 3:30 pm | (W) 19-2 |
| Tuesday | 03/15/2022 | Berkeley | Berkeley High | 3:30 pm | (L) 14-3 |
| Wednesday | 03/16/2022 | Vallejo | Vallejo High School | 3:30 pm | (W) 20-2 |
| Friday | 03/18/2022 | Vallejo | Ocean View Park | 3:00 pm | (W) 7-0 |
| Monday | 3/28/2022 | Pinole Valley | Pinole High School | 4:30 pm | (L) 16-0 |
| Wednesday | 03/30/2022 | John Swett | John Swett High School | 3:30 pm | (W) 12-3 |
| Friday | 04/01/2022 | John Swett | Brady Field | 3:30 pm | (W) 13-11 |
| Wednesday | 04/06/2022 | Salesian | Salesian High School | 4:00 pm | (L) 13-7 |
| Tuesday | 04/12/2022 | El Cerrito | El Cerrito High School | 4:00 pm | (L) 14-8 |
| Wednesday | 04/13/2022 | SPSV | Vallejo | 4:00 pm | (L) 15-0 |
| Friday | 04/22/2022 | Hercules | Hercules High School | 4:00 pm | (W) 20-5 |
| Monday | 04/25/2022 |
Richmond (Senior Day) |
Saint Mary's | 4:00 pm | (W) 16-0 |
| Wednesday | 04/27/2022 |
Richmond |
Richmond High School | 4:00 pm | (W) 17-1 |
| Monday | 5/2/2022 |
De Anza |
Saint Mary's | 4:00 pm | (W) 7-0 |
| Wednesday |
05/11/2022 |
TCAL Playoffs vs. #4 John Swett |
Saint Mary's | 4:00 pm | (W) 16-4 |
| Friday |
5/13/2022 |
TCAL Championship vs. #2 Hercules |
Saint Mary's | 4:00 pm | (W) 13-12 |
| Tuesday |
5/17/2022 |
NCS #10 Saint Mary's vs. #7 Salesian |
Salesian | 5:00 pm | (L) 9-11 |
Softball Schedule 2021
| Date | Opponent | Location | Time | Results |
| Monday, March 22 | Piedmont | at Piedmont | 4:00 pm | L 13-3 |
| Wednesday, March 24 | Pinole Valley | at Ellerhorst | 4:00 pm | L 9-3 |
| Friday, March 26 | Richmond | at Richmond | 4:00 pm | Cancelled |
| Wednesday, March 31 | De Anza | at De Anza | 4:00 pm | W 22-4 |
| Friday, April 2 | Albany | at Albany | 4:00 pm | L 9-3 |
| Wednesday, April 7 | Kennedy | at Kennedy | 4:00 pm | W 18-0 |
| Friday, April 9 | John Swett | at John Swett | 4:00 pm | Cancelled |
| Wednesday, April 14 | Salesian | HOME at Ocean View | 4:00 pm | L 14-2 |
| Friday, April 16 | Hercules | at Hercules | 4:00 pm | |
| Wednesday, April 21 | Pinole Valley | at Ellerhorst | 4:00 pm | L 12-1 |
| Friday, April 23 | Richmond | at Richmond | 4:00 pm | W 19-2 |
| Wednesday, April 28 | De Anza | at De Anza | 4:00 pm | W 26-2 |
| Friday, April 30 | Albany | HOME at Brady Park | 4:00 pm | L 18-7 |
| Wednesday, May 5 | Kennedy | at Kennedy | 4:00 pm | W 18-13 |
| Friday, May 7 | Skyline | HOME at Ocean View | 4:00 pm | L 18-5 |
| Monday, May 10 | Oakland Tech | at Emerson School | 4:00 PM | L 9-1 |
| Wednesday, May 12 | Salesian | at Salesian | 4:00 pm | L 15-5 |
| Thursday, May 13 | Jesse Bethel | HOME at Brady Park | 4:00 pm | W 16-6 |
| Friday, May 14 | El Cerrito | at El Cerrito | 4:00 pm | L 18-4 |