By Chloe Wilson

On Mar. 15, two varsity baseball teams, the Los Gatos Wildcats and the St. Ignatius College Preparatory Wildcats, competed, with Los Gatos emerging victorious. Junior Ethan Williams played a major role in leading the score of 1-0. Nonetheless, it is clear that this win was a team effort, with performances from all positions. Senior Zach Biller was one of them, recording a run, stealing a base, and going 1-for-2 at the plate. Another notable performance was from junior Lucas Carlisle, who had his first RBI (runs batted in) of the season. The defense also played a key role in the victory, with standout plays from the outfielders and infielders, while the whole team seemed to help secure the win.

The previous time these two teams faced each other was in 2023, and St. Ignatius led the scoreboards, coming out with a score of 2-0. There is no doubt that this was a big win for the Los Gatos Wildcats. In the words of senior Cooper Bannon and juniors Gavin Jordan and Hudson Schrader, St. Ignatius was the team they were all most looking forward to playing, and they did not come up short.

As for the preseason, the varsity team has a current record of 6-2, playing teams from different divisions. Jordan pointed out: “It’s been difficult to play the West Catholic teams; They have all been pretty good.” The team’s two losses have been to Junipero Serra High School (in the West Catholic Athletic League) and Leigh High School. 

The team has various goals, as Bannon explained, “I mean every year it’s going to be to win CCS, this year especially, as we are probably the best we have been in the last three years.” The team, losing in the first round of the Central Coast Section (CCS) last year to Carmel High School, does not want to repeat the loss. Bannon added, “Really, just getting past the first game of CCS is what we need.” 

Concerning the team’s chemistry, Schrader said, “We have really good chemistry, and are all really good friends. We have played baseball together for a long time, and have grown up together.” It is clear that this chemistry contribute significantly to the Wildcats’ success. Bannon added, “It’s great. I mean it’s the same group of guys that we have had for 10 years plus.” Lastly, Jordan summarized the team’s bond explaining, “I’d say 11 out of 10 for team chemistry.” 

With a tough preseason schedule showing success for the Wildcats, other opponents consist of Leland High School, with the Cats winning 6-0, and the game against Hollister High School ended with a tough loss of 9-3. Los Gatos had its first league game against the Los Altos High School Eagles who hold, an impressive current record of 6-1. The strong record of 7-3 sets the tone for the varsity team as they progress through their season. Be sure to catch an upcoming game!

The preseason schedule continues to show both success and struggle, as the Cats beat Leland High School 6-0. However, the game against Hollister High School ended with a tough loss of 9-3. Los Gatos had its first league game against the Los Altos High School Eagles, a team that currently holds an impressive 6-1 record. Be sure to catch an upcoming game!

(Sources: MaxPreps)