By John M. Sherrard

(San Marcos, Ca.) The Mt. SAC Softball team began the 2017 season slowly, scoring only three runs in the first four innings, but exploded for nine runs in the fifth inning for an eventual, 12-0, win against host Palomar College Saturday afternoon in a non-conference game.

Behind the exploding bats was a five-inning, 6-hit performance in the circle by pitcher Tiffany Kennedy-Cummings. The sophomore scattered only three hits over the first four innings.

Palomar, however, had three hits in the bottom of the fifth to load the bases, but Kennedy-Cummings induced a grounder to preserve the win.

"I think the girls did awesome and stayed focus on our little wins, which was quality at bats," Mt. SAC coach Ruby Rojas said.

"We have to stay humble and just win the moment."

Leading the way for the Mounties (1-0) was sophomore designated player Erin Mendoza (3-3, run, RBI) with three hits and sister, Toni had two hits, along with four other batters – Alyssa Rasso (2-3, 2 runs), Mariah Zaragoza (2-3, Run), Carissa Felix (2-3, run, 2 RBIs) and Krystall Padilla (2-2, run, 2 RBIs).

Adding to the nine-run fifth was pinch hitter Racqual Espinoza with a three-run home run to right field.

Sophomore left fielder Aleyah Wilbon connected with a triple in the first inning and scored the first run of the game.

Rasso doubled to right two batters later and came home on a single by Erin Mendoza for the 2-0 lead.

"It (win) was a good feeling," Mendoza said. "I felt like everyone was into the game and once we got those hits it just got us going.

"It makes me more hungry, knowing that they were just right there and I want this team to actually win it."

Mendoza, who was a red shirt last year, had to watch the team fall one game short of advancing to the state championships in the So Cal Super Regionals.

Another newcomer to this years' team was Felix, who played shortstop, and doubled in the first two runs of the fifth inning.

"I was excited just to be part of the team (Saturday)," said Felix, whose sister Celina played at Mt. SAC in 2014-15 and was the state player of the year.

She is currently playing at the University of Texas.

Tuesday will be the home opener against Antelope Valley College and the 2007 state championship team will be honored with some players from that team in attendance. First pitch is 5:00 pm.

 

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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.