By BEN HANSEN
Staff Writer 
UHS Softball dropped their home season opener to Loara High School by a score of 18-10 on Tuesday, March 7.  Despite the loss, UHS had heavy offensive production with a 10-run performance and can use this game as a learning tool and baseline for the rest of the season.
The game started out with Zoe Manjarrez (Jr.) hitting a lead-off single in the first inning to spark the offense. The Trojans were able to put pressure on the defense and get on base early on to take the lead. Outfielder Janette Oh (Jr.) swung a hot bat and led the trojan offense with two triples paired with Peyton Mattson’s second inning double which rolled all the way to the fence.
UHS had the lead until the 6th inning, when Loara  took over and was able to capitalize and never looked back.
“The score was up and down, but we played very well”  Oh said.
Defensively, UHS could not stop Loara’s offense, but showed promise all around. Shortstop Alexis Arredondo (Jr.) had two diving stops and centerfielder Peyton Mattson (Jr.) had a diving catch. A key moment came when Janette Oh made a diving catch in the outfield, causing her to bleed excessively, but she was strong enough to get back in the game after being wrapped.
Shortstop Aubrey Maher (Sr.) said, “We scored a lot of runs and hopefully we can come out on top next time.”
The Trojans have six remaining pre-league games on their March schedule which include Westminster, Costa Mesa, Tustin, Fountain Valley, Katella, and Schurr before heading into their league opener on April 11 vs Beckman.
The next game for the team is against Westminster on Tuesday, March 14 at home.