Magnuson no-hits Cuyama Valley in 17-0 explosion

On a windy Friday in Cambria, Coast Union’s softball squad overpowered the Cuyama Valley Lady Bears, 17-0. The victory over a young and inexperienced visiting team April 15 improved the Lady Broncos’ Coast Valley League record to 3-0.

Senior pitcher Ellie Magnuson tossed a no-hitter, striking out 14 of the 15 batters she faced in the five innings played; she also doubled twice and drove in four runs.

Joining in the hit parade was catcher Reagan Kniffen (three hits); Alyssa Drew had a pair of hits and drove in three runs.

Interviewed a day after the blowout of the Lady Bears, Magnuson said she felt strong empathy for Cuyama Valley “because I’ve been in that situation before.”

“It’s tough, and it’s mentally degrading” to a team to be humbled so emphatically.

The Coast softball team ran into some brutally lopsided situations early this season including against Taft — a big school — to which the Lady Broncos lost both ends of a double header 10-0 and 12-1.

“I was proud of Cuyama Valley for holding their heads up high,” Magnuson added. “Through their last at bats, they never showed a poor attitude.”

On Tuesday, April 19, Coast Union traveled to Coastal Christian and routed the Conquerors, 26-0.

The Lady Broncos now are 4-0 in Coast Valley League competition.

Baseball

Because of cancellations and postponements, the Bronco baseball team hasn’t played a game since April 7.

But Coast Union Athletic Director Thom Holt has arranged a game at Valley Christian Academy for 3:30 p.m. Monday, April 25.

That game, plus the Broncos’ 3:30 tilt at Shandon on Tuesday, April 26, will be broadcast on KTEA-FM (103.5) and stream on www.ktea-fm.com.

This story was originally published April 20, 2016 at 8:23 AM with the headline "Magnuson no-hits Cuyama Valley in 17-0 explosion."