The Siskiyou Red Hots. Back row (l-r): Managers Tom and Mike. Third row: Matt, Ryan, Roy, Mike Jr., Marshall, Dan, Matt, Assistant Coach John. Second row: Josh, Ted, Chris, Sean, Nick. Front row- Head coaches Sara and Robert, Assistant coach Cicily.

Article submitted by: Cicily Crechriou

The Siskiyou County Special Olympics team traveled to Yuba City last weekend to compete in the annual softball tournament. The Siskiyou Red Hots blanked Butte County 7-0 in the first game and defeated the Mendocino Yellow Jackets 14-13 in their second game. Through the course of the tournament each of Siskiyou’s athletes were able to put the ball in play, contributing to the Red Hots offense, a hefty feat for any team.

One of Siskiyou’s head coaches, Robert Girdner, praised the athletes dedication and fight commenting, “We were down 10-3 going into the 3rd inning against Mendocino when our bats finally came alive. Solid hitting and good base running resulted in our athletes scoring nine runs that inning.”

The Siskiyou Red Hots closed out the game with solid defensive plays, including a relay from center field to home, getting the tag to halt the Yellow Jackets late game rally.

The Siskiyou Red Hots received the silver medal in their division, with their 2-0 record, due to the tie break rules of runs scored against. Yuba-Sutter held their opponents to 8 runs in the course of two games and in the Red Hots hard fought battle against the Yellow Jackets, 13 runs were posted against the Red Hots landing them in second place.