On Friday, April 15, 2022, the John W. North Huskies hosted the Canyon Springs Cougars in the final game of the series between the teams in the Ivy League. 

The Huskies came into the game with an overall record of 8-15 and 2-5 in league play. With a win on Wednesday against Canyon Springs, the Huskies look to secure another vital win they desperately need to improve their chances of a CIF run this year. The Cougars are also struggling this season, with an overall record of 3-20 and a league record of 3-4. As both of these teams come together for the final time this season, one side looks to leave with a huge win to improve their records to get a spot for the playoffs. 

The boys were ready to take on their opponent, listening to music before the game to stay loose and have fun while warming up for the game.

 “Music is a way for us to remember our “why” reasoning for playing. It helps motivate us to accomplish what we set our mind to. It also helps us stay loose as we just forget about the stress and butterflies, and all the nervousness we have,” said senior Miguel Terriquez.

Husky junior Mauricio Padilla started on the mound against the opposing Cougar’s pitcher, Junior Alex Sanchez. Padilla pitched 6 innings, allowing just 5 hits and 1 run, which was unearned. As a relief for Padilla came in junior Luca Noce. Luca’s outing was very short, but also a stressful one. Coming into the game with no outs and a runner on first, the Huskies anticipated a ground ball out of the at-bat. Which, luckily, Noce is excellent at producing from the batter. Luca’s final scoreline was 2/3 of an inning, allowing three walks, one strikeout, and ultimately one earned run. With the bases loaded and two outs, coming in for Noce was senior Joseph Guzman. He would get the final out in just four pitches, picking up the save. As for the Cougars, Sanchez went five innings, giving up 11 hits and five earned runs. He allowed three walks, and only struck one batter out.

The Huskies’ offense was on fire today, totaling ten hits over seven innings, with seniors Joseph Guzman and Miguel Terriquez both having a multi-hit game. Guzman went two for four with two singles, and Terriquez stayed hot, going three for three, with all singles on the day. They scored one run in the first, three in the third, and an extra insurance run in the bottom of the fifth to put them ahead 5-0. As for the Cougars, their fight wasn’t finished. They scored one in the top of the sixth, and then one in the seventh. They totaled six hits over seven innings, with sophomore Christian Serrano having a multi-hit game.

The Huskies looked strong all game, playing a very clean game overall and helping the pitchers out with their great offensive performance. They claimed the victory over Canyon Springs with a score of 5-2 and added another win to their league record. JW North takes on their crosstown rival next week, Riverside Poly, in another league matchup. They look to sweep Poly to put them in a good position in the standings for playoffs.