Despite absolutely miserable weather and playing conditions, the South Fork High softball season began with tournament play in Redding last Friday and Saturday and some ball was actually played. All games were limited in time to 80 minutes to keep the tourney moving, and the second game Friday versus Hayfork was cancelled due to unplayable conditions. Nevertheless, we now have a season, and South Fork split the two games that actually were played.

Shasta Carr and Carly Lehman combined for six hits in six at bats to lead the Cubs over Burney, 11-5. Lehman included a double and a triple in her three safeties and also stole a base. Carr would have had a home run among her three hits but slipped and fell near second base in the wetness. South Fork pitcher Erica Arreguin struck out 6 Burney batters while walking only three to pick up the initial win of the 2010 season.

On Saturday, Orland administered to South Fork its first defeat of the season, 14-4. Arreguin walked five and fanned three in this game while her batterymate, Chelsea Harrison, contributed a double in three at bats and pilfered four bases for the Cubs. Krissy Pardoski had two hits ib three at bats, including a triple, and stole two bases. Pardoski had also been 2-for-3 in the Burney game.

South Fork travels to Fortuna tomorrow for a St. Patty’s day doubleheader and then will visit Potter Valley on Saturday for another doubleheader. The first home games are scheduled for next Tuesday, March 23, versus Laytonville.