Novato, Calif.-  The Newman Softball team needed a win after dodging rain all season and dropping the first two games on the road.  And win they did, as Callie Howad pitched a complete game victory 6-2 over the Novato Hornets on Tuesday afternoon.  

It was a record breaking performance for Howard as she tallied 18 strikeouts, eclipsing the previous school record set by Abby Vinson (16) in a playoff game 7 years ago. 

Newman jumped out to the lead in top of the first as Makenna Homan was hit-by-pitch with the bases loaded sending Izzy Kunimune home for a 1-0 lead.

Howard began her strikeout quest by fanning 2 of the first 3 hitters and the score stood a 1-0 after 1.

In the bottom of the second, Novato got a run. After a lead off double, Howard collected her 4th strikeout, however a couple pitches got away and allowed the runner to score.  Howard preceded to strikeout the next two Hornet batters and get the Cardinal back to the dugout.

Newman re-took the lead in the third, as Gianna Tamayo grounded out with Kunimune on third, driving in the go-ahead run.

In the bottom of the 4th, Novato took advantage of a two out walk , with a stolen base and single to once again tie the score. In the inning however Howard would strikeout the side, giving her a total of 9 Ks so far.

In the 5th, Newman did not score and Novato threatened with a lead off single .  Yet again however, Howard would strikeout the side, numbers 10, 11, 12 for the day.

Newman took the lead in the 6th as Makenna Homan delivered a clutch two out single, driving in Gianna Tamayo, who lead off the inning with a walk.  

With a 3-2 lead , Howard did it again!  One K looking and two swinging to hold the lead and un-knowingly come within one strikeout of the school record.

The Cardinals were more focused on adding to the lead and getting their first win.  Izzy Kunimune singled to right with two outs.  Next, Ava Walters ripped one to right field and it got by the outfield.  Walters raced around the bases before Novato could recover for an inside the park homerun and a 5-2 lead!

CN would add one more run inn the inning on a bases leaded walk and on to the bottom half of the 7th they went, up 6-2.

Howard entered the frame one K shy of the record set by Abby Vinson in a playoff game back in 2017.  The first hitter went down looking for number 16,  The next batter struck out swinging for the record breaking 17th .

Then for good measure Howrd struck out one more batter to end the game .  Thus the record now stands at an amazing 18 strikeouts!.  What a performance for Callie Howard and the team, which improves to 1-2 on the year.

The team travels to Albany High on Friday in hopes of finding win number two and getting a bit of momentum, as finally, better weather and Spring approaches.