The Paly Varsity Softball team took on Castilleja high school in an intense softball game at Palo Alto High School on Wednesday and defeated them by the mercy rule, 15-3.

The Vikings have an overall record of 6-5, with a .545 winning percentage, while the Castilleja Gators have an overall record of 2-5 this season.

The game spanned five innings, before the mercy rule was officially called, which typically occurs when one team’s performance exceeds the other team’s by eight or more runs by the time the fifth inning takes place.

The Vikings are placed fourth in the De-Anza league with a league record of 3-2, although this was not a league game.

According to sophomore Laila Joshi, the team had many highlights by center-fielder, sophomore Kendall Butler.

“Shoutout to Kendall Butler for an impressive catch in the 5th inning,” Joshi said.

During the game, freshman Kaitlin Ye, experienced her first innings as a varsity-level pitcher.

“Kaitlin made great outs and successfully completed the out of a runner during a pickle,” Joshi said.

The team scored four runs in the first inning, one run in the second inning, one run in the third inning and finally, the Vikings experienced an outstanding fourth inning with a tremendous nine runs to close the game out.

According to junior and shortstop, Kensie Pao the team progressed well throughout the game.

“At first we had trouble adjusting to the pitcher, but then it got better,” Pao said. “Although the team had a great win today, we could work on communication.”

Overall, the Vikings engaged in a vigorous game with the Gators that ultimately ended in an impressive victory.