In Marin County, the Novato High School varsity softball team had a rough night Monday. Cardinal Newman rolled to a 14-3 victory, dropping Novato to 1-3-1 on the season.
The game showed just how unpredictable early-season play can be for Marin County teams. Novato had a few sparks at the plate, but Newman’s offense just kept piling on the runs.
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From downtown Novato to the bright lights at Cardinal Newman’s Santa Rosa complex, the game had its share of drama. Early April softball in the North Bay is a wild ride—full of both opportunities and plenty of growing pains.
Cardinal Newman Delivers Big Night, Stifling Novato’s Offense
Newman finally picked up its first win of the season and stretched its streak over Novato to six straight. The Cardinals’ pitching and some well-timed hits just overwhelmed the Magpies.
Izzie Kunimune really stood out on the mound for Cardinal Newman. She struck out eight over five innings and allowed just two runs (one earned) on two hits and a walk.
Newman’s offense got production from the top and the middle of the order. The scoreboard kept moving all night.
Key Performances and Turning Points
- Pitching — Izzie Kunimune worked five strong innings, notching eight strikeouts and limiting Novato’s chances.
- Novato’s bright spots — Jocelyn Conrado went 1-for-3 with a run and an RBI. Sofia Long picked up her first hit of the season, giving Novato a little spark even in a tough game.
- Cardinal Newman’s big hitters — Nicole DiMarco led the way, going 3-for-4 with three runs, two doubles, and two RBIs. Gigi McBride also had three hits, drove in five, and added a double—one of those nights where everything seemed to click for Newman.
Novato did manage to show some fight at the plate. They mixed in a few hard-hit balls and kept hustling on the bases.
What This Means for Marin County Standings
Cardinal Newman’s win ends a stretch of close calls and gives the squad some needed confidence as they get ready to host Kelseyville. Kunimune’s eight-strikeout night, plus a lineup that spreads out the production, suggests the Cardinals might be able to hang with Marin’s top teams.
For Novato, this loss stings, but it’s not the end of the world. There’s still time to regroup, clean up the defense, and try to find more consistency at the plate. That’s the sort of thing that can turn a season around in Marin’s always-tough softball scene.
Looking Ahead: Marin County Schedule and Local Notes
The schedule moves forward with a pair of 4:00 p.m. starts on Tuesday. Marin County fans get a taste of the North Bay’s spring-time softball rhythm.
Novato heads to Analy High School in Sebastopol, hoping to turn the page on a rough stretch. It’s a solid road test out in Sonoma County.
Cardinal Newman returns home to face Kelseyville. This matchup could shake up the early standings, especially with San Rafael, Larkspur, and San Anselmo all in the mix for local bragging rights.
- Upcoming for the Magpies:
- Novato at Analy, 4:00 p.m. Tuesday
- Upcoming for Cardinal Newman:
- Cardinal Newman vs. Kelseyville, 4:00 p.m. Tuesday
For folks following the Magpies and the Cardinals, this week’s games offer a chance to see if Novato can sharpen its batting. Cardinal Newman looks to build on last week’s high-energy performance.
Marin’s softball scene stays lively and competitive. The teams and their fans keep things grounded in community—from the busy streets of Novato to those ridge-top views near San Anselmo and Corte Madera.
Here is the source article for this story: Softball Recap: Novato Comes Up Short
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