(Walnut, CA) The winning streak reached eight to begin the 2022 season, as the Mt. SAC Softball team defeated visiting L.A. Harbor, 9-1, in a South Coast Conference game on Tuesday (Feb. 15).
With six runs in the first two innings, the Mounties (8-0, 4-0) cruised to the win and remained atop the conference.
"The girls are playing well and they're starting to feel a little about what they need to do," said Mt. SAC coach Jim Bollier, who is filling in for Ruby Rojas, who just gave birth to her first child.
Coach Rojas, who directed Mt. SAC to back-to-back CCCAA State titles in 2018-19, gave birth to son Roman on Wednesday (Feb. 16). Mother and father, Rob Penticoff, and baby are doing well.
"We all can't be more excited for her and Rob," Bollier added. "The girls just did an awesome video for her and we just wish her the best.
"The girls and our staff are supporting her 100% until she can get back."
Leading the way for the Mounties was freshman first baseman Brianna Goris (2 of 3), with a two-run home run, two RBIs, a double and a run scored.
"I just like to keep my composure no matter what," said Goris, of her approach at the plate. "Even if I do struggle, I know I have another at-bat coming."
"I'm definitely happy that I came here."
Shortstop Isabela Gurule (2-3) also had two hits and an RBI.
Ariana Coronado (1-4, R, 2 RBIs) and catcher Celeste Cortez (1-2, R, 2 RBIs) both hit home runs in the game.
Sophomore pitcher Serena Navarrete picked up her second win of the season, as she pitched all six innings and struck out four.
"It definitely feels good to be back, especially in my freshmen year getting cut short because of Covid and then my arm last year," Navarrete said. "Coming back is an amazing feeling."
As a team, the Mounties collected 14 hits, their fourth game in double figures in hitting.
"Serena (Navarrete) did a heck of a job (Tuesday) pitching," Bollier said. "She just stuck it out and just trusted her drops and curves and her off speeds. She threw quite a few screws (screwballs) to keep them off balance."
The Mounties scored twice in the first inning and added four more in the second, highlighted by two-run home runs by Cortez and Ariana Coronado in the inning.
The Mounties have 11 straight home games, beginning Thursday (Feb. 17) against El Camino for a South Coast Conference game.
"We have a good month of home games and we'll take it," Bollier said.
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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.
