Midway through the 2024 West Sierra League softball season, the Dos Palos Bronco varsity squad finished with an impressive 5-0 record. After defeating Firebaugh to run their record to 5-0, head coach David Jacobo had one message for his team: “Finish”.
The Broncos took their coach’s message to heart and rolled through the second half of the WSL season enroute to a perfect 10-0 record. Dos Palos won the championship last Thursday with a quick 10-0 mercy rule victory over Mendota.
Dos Palos will now focus its attention on the Central Section playoffs. Last year in Div. V, they made it all the way to the finals before losing to champion Boron. This year, the Broncos were given a No. 8 seed in Div. IV and will host Shafter today (Wednesday) in a first round matchup. Should they win, they will be on the road this Friday probably against No. 1 Mission Prep-San Luis Obispo.
The Broncos were again led by junior hurler Breann Raney and infielder Hannah Slimp.
“Defensively, Raney is a real asset on the mound with her control and precision pitching,” Coach Jacobo said. “A pitcher who can consistently throw strikes and minimize walks can really keep the opposing team on their toes. Her ability to control the ball and place it where she wants gives our team a great advantage in keeping the score close and our offense a chance to put runs on the board.”
Slimp, only a sophomore, is batting over .600 on the season, and according to Jacobo, has been crushing the ball.
“Having a player like Hannah leading your team offensively can be a game-changer,” said Jacobo. “Her comfort and consistency in the batter’s box, along with her ability to make solid contact with the ball make her a formidable threat to any opposing pitcher. With her performance, she’s setting the tone for the rest of the lineup and providing crucial run production.”
Jacobo added that the pair’s contributions have been a key component to Dos Palos’ success.
“Having both Raney’s pitching prowess and Slimp’s offensive firepower makes your team a force to be reckoned with,” added Jacobo. “It’s clear that they are making a significant impact on our team’s success this season.”
Fellow West Sierra League school Coalinga, which finished second to the Broncos, was also placed in Div. IV at No. 10 and will travel down the road to face No. 7 Lemoore.
Firebaugh will enter the playoffs as a No. 10 seed in Div. VI and will travel to Farmersville.
All playoff games are scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m.
