Walnut, Calif. – The Mt. SAC Softball Team delivered another commanding performance on Thursday, April 17, defeating Pasadena City College 10-2 in a run-rule shortened game. The win not only marked the Mounties' third victory over Pasadena this season—it also celebrated a major milestone: Head Coach Rubilena Rojas earned her 400th career win at the helm of the program, cementing her legacy as one of the most accomplished coaches in Mt. SAC history.
With the win, the Mounties improved to 23-13 overall and 17-6 in South Coast Conference play. Pasadena dropped to 5-28 overall and 5-18 in the SCC.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
After a quiet start, Mt. SAC broke through in the third inning. Sarai Raygoza's groundout brought in Mia Martin for the first run, followed by a two-run double to right center by Morgan Kneubuhler, scoring Samantha Orozco and Katie Griego for a 3-0 lead.
The Mounties added two more runs in the fifth on back-to-back singles from Orozco and Amanda Porterfield. Pasadena managed to respond with a pair of runs in the bottom half of the inning, narrowing the gap to 5-2 on a single by Lucero Alcaraz and an RBI groundout by Alexis Garcia.
But Mt. SAC slammed the door shut in the sixth inning, putting up five runs to invoke the run rule and end the game early. Key hits came from Kayden Connaty with a double and another RBI single by Orozco to spark the offensive surge.
Isabella Guerrero got the start for the Mounties, facing nine batters over two innings with one strikeout. Samantha Vizcarra came in for relief and pitched three strong innings to earn the win. Connaty closed out the game in dominant fashion, retiring all three batters she faced—each via strikeout.
BY THE NUMBERS:
- Morgan Kneubuhler (Mt. SAC): 3-for-4, 4 RBI, (2) 2B
- Samantha Orozco (Mt. SAC): 3-for-4, 3 RBI,
NEXT UP:
The Mounties face a major test on Monday, April 21, when they host El Camino (31-5), currently ranked No. 2 in the SCC. Mt. SAC will look to avenge two earlier losses to the Warriors this season—7-2 in February and a close 2-1 defeat earlier this month. First pitch is scheduled for 3:00 PM at home.
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.
