FREMONT, Calif. —MSSD softball team opened play at the HOY Tournament in Fremont with a perfect 2–0 record in Pool A, competing against Indiana School for the Deaf and California School for the Deaf, Fremont.

Game 1: MSSD 9, Indiana 6

MSSD showed resilience in a strong comeback win over Indiana, rallying from a 6–2 deficit in the second inning.

The Eagles responded in a big way, scoring 7 runs in the third inning to take control and secure the 9–6 victory.

This win marks MSSD's first victory over Indiana since 2019, breaking a seven-year drought.

MSSD opened the scoring in the first inning after Talia Willey-Saunders doubled, bringing in two runs. Talia Willey-Saunders, Mirella Frijmersum-Di Pietro, Maiyalene Utley, and Arianna Velez each recorded one hit.

Vyoletta Santos pitched 3 innings, recording 2 strikeouts and issuing 4 walks.

The game was played in cool conditions, with temperatures in the low 60s, mostly sunny skies, and a slight breeze.

Game 2: MSSD 6, Fremont 5

MSSD followed with another strong performance, edging California School for the Deaf, Fremont, led by head coach Jill Bianco—a member of MSSD's Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2019.

MSSD jumped out to an early 3–1 lead in the first inning, capitalizing on an error and an RBI single by Starla Baskin. Fremont answered in the second inning to take a 4–3 lead, but MSSD quickly responded.

In the bottom of the second, Mirella Frijmersum-Di Pietro delivered a key three-run single, giving MSSD a 6–4 advantage that held up for the win.

Vyoletta Santos, Mirella Frijmersum-Di Pietro, and Starla Baskin each recorded one hit, while Frijmersum-Di Pietro and Baskin drove in runs. Santos added speed on the bases with two stolen bases.

Santos returned to the circle, pitching 4 innings and recording 4 strikeouts.

Looking Ahead

MSSD advances to the semifinals tomorrow at 1:00 PM (EST) and will face the winner of Indiana School for the Deaf and Texas School for the Deaf.