The Hilmar Yellowjackets softball team are heading into their spring break with a 4-3 overall record in preseason play after finishing the short week with a 1-1 record after toppling Gustine on Monday, followed by an 8-4 loss to Los Banos on the road on Tuesday.

“I think we have come against some good competition that is testing our abilities,” said Hilmar head coach Kara Olesen.

As of Thursday, three of the last four opponents for Hilmar have winning records, including Dos Palos and Los Banos, with eight-plus wins apiece.

“We just have to regain control and communication. Our team knows what we need to work on and we plan on using the spring break wisely,” said Olesen.

On Monday, the highlight was freshman Makayla Fontes who made her name known after smacking a three-run bomb over the left field fence in the bottom of the first and the 'Jackets went on to win at home, 11-0 after five innings.

Miranda Gray started the game and tossed all five scoreless innings and the 'Jackets committed no errors.

In Tuesday's game, Hilmar led LB until the fourth inning.

Hilmar was able to capitalize on errors from LB, but in the fourth the 'Jackets committed multiple errors.

“Communication is key going into the Nor Cal tourney and league games. We have serious athletes on our team that are capable of anything,” said Olesen.

The 'Jackets still managed to hold on and allow just three runs and went into the sixth with a 4-3 lead before the team committed their most costly error that allowed the go-ahead run.

LB went on to score eight unanswered runs and Hilmar committed eight errors.

Freshmen Maddy Aguiniga pitched four innings and Gray finished the game.

Junior Sara Hughes was out for both games after suffering an injury during the Dos Palos game.

Hilmar's next game will be in the Nor-Cal Tournament against Weston Ranch at 10 a.m. April 1.