Walnut, Calif. – In a highly anticipated South Coast Conference clash, the Mt. SAC Softball Team emerged victorious over Cerritos College with a commanding 9-1 win at home on Tuesday, April 15. The two teams had split their first two meetings this season, with Mt. SAC winning 1-0 in February and falling 2-1 in March, but the Mounties left no doubt in this rubber match.

With the win, Mt. SAC improves to 22-13 overall and 16-6 in conference play. Cerritos, still slightly ahead in the standings, sits at 27-8 overall and 16-5 in the South Coast Conference.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Mt. SAC got on the board in the third inning thanks to an RBI single to left field from Sarai Raygoza, bringing in Kayden Connaty for a 1-0 lead. Cerritos answered in the top of the fourth with a double from Ayiana Cardenas that scored Irma Gonzalez to tie the game 1-1.

The tie didn't last long. In the bottom of the fourth, Morgan Kneubuhler launched a solo homer to reclaim the lead for Mt. SAC, 2-1.

The Mounties broke things wide open in the fifth. Katie Griego's bunt allowed Isabella Guerrero to score, and Samantha Orozco followed with a clutch two-RBI triple. Moments later, Orozco came home on a wild pitch, capping a four-run inning that extended the lead to 6-1.

Mt. SAC sealed the deal in the sixth with RBI singles from Guerrero and Griego, forcing an early finish via the run rule at 9-1.

In the circle, Connaty and Samantha Vizcarra combined to shut down the Falcons, allowing just two hits and one earned run while striking out four with Vizcarra picking up the win. On the other side, Cerritos pitchers Tatyana Cortez and Mia Star Miramontes struggled, giving up 11 hits and nine runs.

BY THE NUMBERS:

• Samantha Orozco (Mt. SAC): 1-for-2, 2 RBI, 3B
• Katie Griego (Mt. SAC): 3-for-4, 2 RBI
• Ayiana Cardenas (Cerritos): 1-for-2, 1 RBI, 2B

NEXT UP:

The Mounties return to action on Thursday, April 17, when they host Pasadena City College (5-27) in another conference matchup. First pitch is set for 12:00 PM.

NOTE:

With Tuesday's win, Head Coach Ruby Rojas notched her 399th career victory with the Mt. SAC Softball Program. She'll look to hit the 400-win milestone on Thursday — so come out and support the Mounties as they chase history!

STAY CONNECTED:

Follow Mt. SAC Softball on Twitter @mtsac_softball or Instagram /mt.sacsoftball/

Follow Mt. SAC Athletics on Twitter @MtSAC_athletics Instagram /mtsac_athletics/ or Facebook @Mountie.Athletics

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