By Ray Fowler

The Harker Eagles varsity softball team (4-3 overall, 1-1 in league play) won a WBAL Foothill Division game 6-0 against the Alma Heights Christian Eagles (0-4, 0-1) on March 20.  There were several highlights during the game played on Harker’s home diamond, and they were all provided by Harker pitcher Alison Rugar, grade 11.

Rugar’s lead-off home run was all the offense Harker would need to defeat Alma Heights. However, Rugar’s performance on the mound would eclipse what turned out to be the game-winning hit. She dominated the visiting team by pitching an 18-strikeout perfect game. Sixty-five percent of Rugar’s pitches were strikes, and she averaged 3.9 pitches per Alma Heights batter. The perfect game was preserved by Rugar cleanly fielding a bunt to throw out an Alma Height batter and Harker shortstop Ashley Del Alto, grade 11, snagging two line shots. Perfect games don’t happen without great catching, and Laura Thacker , grade 10, was solid behind the plate.

When the 21st Alma Heights batter swung and missed on a 1-2 count, there was no fist-pumping or leaping off the mound. Rugar jogged to the Harker dugout and thanked her teammates for their help in Harker’s winning effort. Harker coach Raul Rios awarded the game ball to Rugar after it was signed by the Harker players.

Rugar is currently leading the WBAL Foothill Division in home runs (two), and she has recorded 89 strikeouts for the 2012 season.  Her overall GPA is 4.23 and she is a top flute player in the award-winning Harker Orchestra.