Mountie Softball Win Streak Reaches Eleven; Shutout Pasadena City College, 2-0

Softball: Mt. SAC's Gabby Estrada singling to center field, scoring Vicky Gutierrez from second base.
Mt. SAC's Gabby Estrada singling to center field, scoring Vicky Gutierrez from second base. Photo Courtesy of DavesSportsImage

(Walnut, CA) The Mt. SAC Softball Team, with another dominating performance in the circle by sophomore Briana Wheeler, stretched its win streak to 11 games and defeated visiting Pasadena City College, 2-0 Thursday (2/28) in a South Coast Conference North game.

Wheeler retired the first nine Lancer batters before a fourth-inning walk. She only allowed an infield hit in the sixth to improve her record to 4-0 in conference and 6-0 overall. Wheeler, with her eight strikeouts, has 58 on the season and is tied for fourth in the state.

"We really wanted to beat (PCC)," Wheeler said. "I'm really trying to focus more this year since it's my last year here."

"The defense was just on it today (Thursday)."

It was the third consecutive game without an error for the Mounties (11-1, 6-0) and seventh shutout out of their 12 games.

Mt. SAC first baseman Vicky Gutierrez (1 for 3, R) scored the first run after second baseman Gabby Estrada (1 for 3, RBI) singled to center.

Ciara Granado (1 for 3, R), who reached on a fielders' choice, eventually came home for the 2-0 lead when Jessika Trujillo (RBI, SB) reached on an error by the Lancers third baseman.

"We kept our energy up and got on (PCC) early," said Estrada, who has hit safely in six of her last seven games. "It's been more of a confidence and a comfort thing with me."

"After that first loss to San Mateo, we have come out with a lot of energy and team chemistry."

The Mounties had five more hits and runners in scoring position six more times, but couldn't add to their lead.

"You're not always going to be hitting .400 or blasting hits," Mt. SAC coach Ruby Rojas said. "You have to have the other phases and our pitching along with our defense was absolutely solid."

"Granted, we did score at the beginning and didn't take advantage of our other opportunities, but at the end of the day we have to capitalize on those phases. I'm a huge advocate that defense wins championships."

Mt. SAC left fielder Candace Haliburton was 3 for 4 with a stolen base in the game.

The Mounties travel to Compton Friday (3/1) for a conference rain-makeup game and will play at Chaffey on Tuesday (3/5).

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