Posted: Jan 23, 2026
What a opening weekend of softball the Glendale Vaqueros had in the 21st annual Dave "Hawk" Wilder Memorial Tournament as they outscored Imperial Valley, College of the Redwoods, West Hills Coalinga and Cuesta 51-12 en route to a perfect 4-0 start, marking the best record to open a Sal Pizzo coached team.
Wilder was the beloved coach of the program from 2001 through 2013, with his biggest achievement being a 3C2A Super Regional appearance in 2012, which was the first time in team history. Wilder was forced to retire after the 2013 due health issues and two months later with complications of post-polio, Coach Hawk passed at the age of 70. Current Coach Pizzo, who served as an assistant to Wilder for seven seasons prior to the passing had this to say about his vivid memories of Hawk: "Hawk had a larger-than-life personality. He knew and cared for everyone in the softball community and was loved and respected by everyone who knew him. I am grateful for the privilege and opportunity I have had to try to continue to carry on his legacy of kindness and making every athlete that comes through our program feel special and part of a family. That was Hawk's desire for everyone."
Imperial Valley: Colorado State University Pueblo transfer Mia Sanchez was dominate in the circle, striking out 13 batters in a five inning, one hit complete game. Sanchez began the game with nine consecutive outs all by way of a strikeout and at the dish had two hits and a run scored. Redshirt Freshman, Azusena Lopez led the offensive attack with three hits (which included a triple), two RBIs and two runs scored. The freshman Pasadena Muir duo of third baseman Alyssa Perez and first baseman Jasmin Jaquez combined for three hits. Jaquez drove home two runs. The Vaqueros also got extra base hits from former travel ball teammates in freshman catcher Grace FitzRandolph and All WSC second team selection Annaliese Ruiz. FitzRandolph tripled and Ruiz doubled in the game.