(Walnut, CA) The Mt. SAC Softball Team continues rolling along in the South Coast Conference, with a five-inning 9-0 win over visiting East Los Angeles College Thursday (4/11).
The Mounties banged out 12 hits, the 19th time they have had double figures in hitting in a game this season.
With the win, Mt. SAC improves to 28-4 overall and a perfect 17-0 in the SCC North.
Mt. SAC coach Ruby Rojas simply said of the victory. "It feels fantastic."
In the circle, starter Briana Wheeler improved to 16-1 overall, pitching the first three innings, allowing only a first-inning single, while striking out six.
"Eight runs in one inning, that's good," said Wheeler of the Mt. SAC offense. "I feel good."
Zoe Brewer pitched a perfect two innings in relief, serving up five of six grounders.
"I just try and do my best and get my reps in," Brewer said. "I love coming in and backing up "B" (Wheeler) as well.
Leading the way offensively for the Mounties with two hits apiece was centerfielder Ally Longtree (2 for 3, R, RBI, 2 SBs), Ciara Granado (2 for 2, 2 Rs, 2 RBIs, Dbl.) and designated player Quinn De Avila (2 for 2, R, SB).
"We just have to keep doing what we are doing and prepare for the playoffs," De Avila said. "We all feed off of each other and play as a team."
"Once we got through our lineup, our bats really came alive in the third inning."
Left fielder Candace Haliburtion (1 for 3, R, RBI) and Alexia Silvas (1 for 1, RBI) each had a double for the Mounties.
After hitting three singles in the first two innings without scoring, the Mounties exploded for eight runs on eight hits in the third for the 8-0 lead.
Highlighting the inning was a two-run double down the left field line by Granado, scoring first baseman Vicky Gutierrez (1 for 3, R, SB) and Longtree for the 2-0 lead.
That was followed by the next batter, catcher Adriana Ramirez (1 for 2, R, 2 RBIs, SB), with a two-run single to left, scoring Granado and shortstop Jessika Trujillo (1 for 2, R) for the 4-0 lead.
Caitlyn Felina (1 for 2, R, 2 RBIs) singled to left, scoring De Avila and Ramirez for the 6-0 advantage. The Mounties added two more runs in the inning and a single run in the fourth on a double by Silvas, scoring Granado for the 9-0 final.
The Mounties play a double header, hosting Sacramento City College Saturday (4/13) with the first game starting at 4:00 pm, followed by the second game at 6:30 pm.
Sac City, ranked No. 6 in Northern California, is currently in second place in the Big 8 Conference in the North, with an overall record of 25-6 and 15-3 in conference.
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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.