(Walnut, CA) Eight runs in the first two innings led the Mt. SAC Softball team to a six-inning, 9-1, South Coast Conference win over visiting Rio Hondo on Tuesday (March 8).
With the victory, first-place Mt. SAC improved to 14-2 overall and 8-1 in the conference.
The Mounties, led by a big three-run home run by sophomore third baseman Alyssa Gonzalez (1-3, R, 3 RBIs), pounded out 10 hits in the game.
"Let me say that I was in a slump, so it was nice to come out swinging and be aggressive," said Gonzalez, who hit her third homer of the season. "It felt good.
"All we have to do is play our game our way and we'll win. We have a good foundation and good coaching. It's all there."
Four players also led with two hits each – Arely Coronado (2-3, 2 Rs, SB), Asia Chacon (2-4, R, RBI), Alyssa Castaneda (2-3, R, 3 RBIs) and Haley Moran (2-3, R, Dbl.). Shortstop Ariana Coronado (1-2, 2 Rs, RBI) added a triple for the Mounties.
In the circle, sophomore pitcher Serena Navarette (3 inns.) picked up her fourth win of the season without a loss and Grace Pieson came in for the final three innings and struck out six Rio Hondo batters.
"We wanted to give a couple more opportunities to players as they are all competing really hard and all came out swinging hard and wanted it," Mt. SAC Softball assistant coach Erika Eklund said. "I think that's a big part of why we won."
Eklund talked to Gonzalez prior to her second at-bat when she hit her blast saying, "….kid, you're a good hitter and all of these balls you're letting go, you can smash hard. So, just be more aggressive in your at-bat."
Gonzalez did just that on the second pitch to her as she hit the home run to left field.
Mt. SAC continues SCC action this Thursday (March 10) at home with a game against East Los Angeles. The game time is 3:00 pm.
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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.
