CYPRESS, CA - Charger softball recognized their 2023 State Tournament Championship team with a number flip ceremony on Tuesday, June 20th.
A historic season for Cypress ended in triumph as the team came out on top in the 3C2A Softball State Tournament. The Chargers persevered after a Game 1 loss to San Mateo. What followed was six consecutive elimination games in the weekend. The Cypress bats proved dominant in the teams win over Folsom Lake and in their rematch with San Mateo. With their backs against the wall, the Chargers made a comeback win over Mt. Sac to stay alive. To compete in championship Sunday, the team soundly defeated the Cerritos Falcons and went on to face the No. 1 team from the north.
Cypress would have to win both games against Palomar as the Comets were still undefeated on the weekend. Down to their final three outs in the first meeting, the Chargers made a last inning comeback. From a single passed ball, two runners were able to score which allowed the team to take a one run lead. Cypress closed out the first game 3-2 to push for a second and final matchup. The Chargers bats managed to tally in an RBI single from Kaitlyn Reynolds for the game winning hit in the third. Cypress held off any Comets offense to win the second game and the 2023 3C2A State Tournament.
The successful run would be the program's tenth State Title all led by Head Coach Brad Pickler. Earlier in the season, Coach Pickler also celebrated his 1,500 victory with Cypress en route to the teams 30th state appearance. In the tournament, multiple Chargers earned awards for their efforts during the weekend. Mikala Jacobsen was given Wild Card honors, Ashlynn Ortiz earned first baseman with Camryn Addimando and Jaylene Durate awarded infielder awards. Emily Rush, who was named MVP of the Orange Empire Conference, was also named MVP of the 3C2A Championship Tournament.
After such a successful season from the staff and the players, the squad reunited a month later for a celebration. A joyous gathering in the upstairs foyer of Gym II assembled for Cypress Athletics 35th title flip. The small event brought back the returning members and those who are moving on from their Cypress experience. Along with the players, the OEC Staff-of-the-Year was recognized for their part in the championship effort. The number flip by the state champions closes the door on the 2023 season as the program looks to repeat their success in the upcoming year.
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