Walnut, Calif. – In heartbreaking way to go out, the Mt. SAC Softball Team finished off its season on Saturday, May 3, with back-to-back losses to 10th-seeded Fullerton College in the opening round of the Southern California Regionals. Despite splitting games with the Hornets during the regular season—dropping a 15-13 contest in January and winning 4-0 in March—the Mounties were unable to find success in the playoffs. They end their season with a 26-15 overall record, while Fullerton (19-21) advances to the Super Regionals, where they will face top-seeded Orange Coast College.
GAME 1:
In an evenly matched and low-scoring opener, Mt. SAC was unable to convert nine hits into runs, falling 2-0.Fullerton struck early with a solo home run to center field from Veronica Moore in the top of the first. The Hornets added another run in the third off a Jianna Lopez single that drove in Hope Morales.
Kayden Connaty took the loss, pitching 2.2 innings, allowing two earned runs on two hits while striking out two. Samantha Vizcarra held the Hornets scoreless over the final 4.1 innings. Despite out-hitting Fullerton 9 to 3, the Mounties were unable to push a runner across the plate.
GAME 2:
In a rare scenario where both teams used the same pitchers from Game 1, the result was much the same. Fullerton blanked the Mounties again, this time 3-0. The game remained scoreless until the bottom of the fifth, when Hope Morales singled to bring home Milene Mendoza. One inning later, Lisa Villanueva delivered the decisive blow with a two-run homer.
Sarai Raygoza and Katie Griego each recorded hits, but Mt. SAC's offense remained stifled for the second straight game.
SEASON HIGHLIGHTS:
While the season didn't end as hoped, the Mounties have much to be proud of. The team posted impressive offensive stats, including 271 total runs across 41 games, a .354 team batting average, a .421 on-base percentage, and a .497 slugging percentage. Mt. SAC recorded 373 hits overall—highlighted by 68 doubles, 16 triples, and 17 home runs—and earned 10 shutout victories with a team ERA of 2.53.
Individual accolades include Morgan Kneubuhler and Katie Griego earning First Team All-Conference and All-Region honors, while Kayden Connaty was also named First Team All-Conference. Samantha Orozco and Sarai Raygoza earned spots on the Second Team All-Conference roster.
This season also marked a major milestone for Head Coach Ruby Rojas, who celebrated her 400th career win with the Mt. SAC Softball Program. Thank you for your continued support—and we'll see you next season!
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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.