By John M. Sherrard

(Bakersfield, CA) In perhaps the most intense game of the long season, the Mt. SAC Softball team continued its drive to the ultimate goal – a state title – defeating College of San Mateo, 3-2, as sophomore Mandy Larios singled in the go-ahead run in the sixth inning at Bakersfield College, Friday afternoon, in the CCCAA State Softball Championships.

With the score tied, 2-2, in the sixth inning and two outs, sophomore second baseman Mandy Larios hit a bloop single into right field, scoring sophomore catcher Taylor Jaurique (1 for 3) for the 3-2 lead. Jaurique, with aggressive running, advanced to second to get into scoring position on a wild pitch by the San Mateo pitcher Madison Mercer (23-5).

"I had a good feeling about that hit," Larios said. "Every now and then, I get those hits. I got a little under it, but it did the job.

"It was a great win for us."

However, the defensive gem of the day was a phenomenal running catch by Mounties sophomore left fielder Aleyah Wilbon in the bottom of the seventh to save a possible double by San Mateo for the second out.

Mt. SAC sophomore pitcher Tiffany Kennedy-Cummings (17-1), who relieved starter Racqual Espinoza in the fifth inning, struck out the final San Mateo batter for the win. Espinoza allowed only three hits and struck out three in her 4 1/3 innings.

"I read the ball off the bat really good," said Wilbon of the running catch. "And when I saw it I just started booking it back and when I was running I said 'ok, if I wait to the last second and stick my glove out, I got it', and I did."

Larios (2 for 4, dbl., run, RBI) and Kayla Sok (2-4, dbl., RB) led the Mounties with two hits apiece.

Mt. SAC, seeded second in the south, took a 1-0 lead in the second inning on an RBI single by Sok, scoring sophomore Alyssa Rasso (1-3, run). 

After San Mateo scored two runs in the third inning, for the 2-1 lead, the Mounties tied the game in the fifth inning after Larios reached on an error by the Bulldogs' pitcher Mercer. Larios advanced to third on the overthrow. 

Mt. SAC first baseman Toni Mendoza (1-4) followed with the run-tying single to center field.

"It's the little things that make it all worthwhile," Mt. SAC coach Ruby Rojas said. "It's just fundamental softball and it's all about chipping away, chipping away and something is going to fall in."

The victory advanced the Mounties (41-3) into the winners' bracket and will face undefeated No. 1 south seed Cypress (46-0) Saturday at 3:00 pm for a berth in the championship game on Sunday.

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