Central Valley’s varsity baseball team didn’t disappoint coach Derrick Goblirsch last week despite getting swept by Atwater.

The Hawks challenged the Falcons in defeat.

“We competed against one of the top teams in our league,” Goblirsch said. “That’s big for our confidence going forward.”

Central Valley dropped to 7-8 overall and 1-3 in the Central California Conference standings following Thursday’s 5-1 five-inning, rain-shortened loss to visiting Atwater.

The Falcons improved to 11-2 and 4-0.

The Hawks made four errors on defense.

“In this league, you have to limit your mistakes, or the other teams will make you pay,” said Goblirsch, whose team previously competed in the Western Athletic Conference.

Central Valley sophomore Sergio Solis turned in a respectable performance while starting at pitcher.

He allowed one earned run and three hits with four strikeouts and one walk in three innings.

Ryan Palecek scored Central Valley’s lone run on offense.

Angel Porras accounted for the RBI.

The Hawks totaled just two hits during the game.

Host Atwater edged Central Valley 3-2 in nine innings on March 26.

“It was a fun battle,” Goblirsch said. “We played well the whole game. We have to play like that more often.”

Hawk freshman Gabrial Lopez earned a no-decision at pitcher.

He gave up just one earned run and three hits with two strikeouts and three walks in six innings.

“From preseason to now, he’s gotten better,” Goblrisch said. “He’s always changing his approach depending on what other teams are doing at the plate. He’s a competitor.”

Central Valley and Atwater both collected five hits.

Sophomore Angel Vega batted 2-for-4 from the plate with one run.

Sophomore Luis Valdovinos batted 1-for-4 with one run.

Sophomore Isaiah Hidalgo batted 1-for-3 with one RBI.

Sophomore Adrian Garcia singled.

Sophomore Sergio Solis plated one run.

The Hawks totaled eight errors during their two-game series against the Falcons.

“We knew it was going to be tough,” Goblirsch said. “Atwater has a good team. They don’t make mistakes.”

Central Valley will face El Capitan twice this week.

The Hawks play host to the Gauchos tomorrow at 4 p.m.