By Ava Nicols
Online Editor
On Jan. 20, varsity baseball traveled to Palm Springs to compete in the 11th annual Desert Cities Challenge Tournament, where they won six games before taking the championship title.
“The weekend was a big turning point for us as a team,” senior outfielder David Chase said. “We all pulled together and found an energy I don’t think we even knew we had.”
The Mustangs play in this tournament annually, although this is the first time they’ve taken the win in recent years. According to Chase, because it’s been a long time since Costa has won this tournament, the win felt even better and will have a big impact on Costa’s record.
“The last pitch of the championship game was the best part,” junior outfielder Jack Nammack said. “We were on defense and when the last guy struck out, so much weight was lifted off our shoulders because we knew the tournament was over, which was so relieving but also rewarding.”
With a total of 30 teams in the tournament, the Mustangs had to play six games before getting to the championship. They won against Trabuco Hills 4-1 on Friday, and 10-2 against Indio and 7-4 against Canyon on Saturday. On Sunday they took on 3 final teams to win the championship.
“Friday and Saturday were easier for us,” Nammack said. “Dillon Despain hit a home run, which gave us the lead against Canyon on Saturday.”
On Jan. 23 alone, the Mustangs faced Los Ojos and won 4-2; Newport Harbor and won 6-1; and Mission Viejo, where they won, 10-7. According to Chase, all three teams were tough competitors for the Mustangs, and they loved the intensity and excitement that came with the games.
“Playing three games throughout the day was tiring and beat us up,” Chase said. “We had to lift each other up to come back and win it all.”
The Mustangs continued to play in hopes of getting to the championship. According to Chase, the entire team kept its energy up, and the boys knew they would only have a couple of games left before the championship.
“Ojos was a lot closer than anticipated, but we still won,” said Nammack said. “Newport was easier because our pitcher, Charlie Webb, threw a complete game.”
After beating six teams from California, the Mustangs made it to the championship game, where they played Mission Viejo. The Mustangs scored five runs in the last inning and won against Mission Viejo. After junior pitcher Andrew Marins struck out the last batter, the tournament was over and the Mustangs rushed the mound.
“It was a great effort from the whole team, top to bottom, every player, every inning,” sophomore pitcher Alito McBean said. “This tournament really showed who Costa Baseball is and what we will bring to the table in the 2022 season.”
Hopes are high for the way the spring season will play out. The Mustangs’ first league took place at home on Saturday, where they faced off against Yucaipa in their first official game of the season. Information regarding this game was not available at the time of printing.
“Great win in the Desert Cities,” @miracosta_baseball tweeted. “It was a team effort, and the boys played terrific.”
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