While the Carson High softball team won't be going to the playoffs this year, it had a performance that may give the Senators momentum going into next season and into their season finale doubleheader against Douglas on Saturday.
The Senators played on even terms with the High Desert League's top team in McQueen before falling 2-1 on Thursday at McQueen. The Lancers have been a prolific offensive team this year, but Mandy Carvin and Lindsay Farnworth were able to shut down their potent attack.
Carson also had the bases loaded with two outs in the top of the seventh inning before McQueen was able to record the last out.
"We were right in it all the way until the end," Carson coach Scott Vickrey said. "I thought we might get tem, but we didn't."
Carvin pitched two scoreless innings before having to come out with a nagging shoulder injury that has bothered her much of the season. Farnworth pitched the last four innings, scattering seven hits while allowing two runs, one earned. "They both did a good job," Vickrey said.
McQueen scored an unearned run in the fourth and scored with two outs and nobody on in the fifth on a single and double.
In the seventh, Jamie Yenter singled and eventually scored on Jessica Grant's single for Carson. Dacey Hassey and Candice Rutledged walked to load the bases before McQueen escaped the jam.
Vickrey also said Hassey did a solid job at catcher in place of Ari Gonzalez, who was still recovering from being hit in the jaw on Tuesday against North Valleys. "We're playing a little injured, but we played good ball," Vickrey said.
Nichole Monge and Hassey had Carson's other hits as the Senators were limited to four hits.
Carson will host Douglas in a doubleheader, beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday. Vickrey said he expected Carvin to be available for limited duty. "We're not going to hurt her," said Vickrey about how much Carvin will pitch.
