Bakersfield, Calif. – After a tough setback the day before, the Mt. SAC Softball Team came ready to respond—and they did just that in a big way.

The Mounties bounced back from a 9-1 loss to No. 2 ranked Palomar with a commanding 10-2 run-rule victory over Bakersfield on Saturday, April 11, showing resilience at a crucial point in the season.

Now 25-9 overall, Mt. SAC sits in second place in the South Coast Conference at 15-4, just behind Cerritos. After dropping in the state rankings in recent weeks, the Mounties are looking to regain their early-season form with just two weeks left in the regular season—and this was a step in the right direction.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Emily Sandoval sparked the offense in the top of the first, blasting a solo home run to give Mt. SAC an early lead and immediate momentum.

The bats came alive again in the third inning—and this time, they erupted.

The Mounties poured on six runs in a huge offensive surge. Sandoval stayed hot with an RBI single, while Amanda Porterfield, Sophia Avina, Angelina Martinez, and Desiree Morales all contributed to the rally. Combined with a few defensive errors from Bakersfield, Mt. SAC quickly built a 7-0 advantage.

In the fourth, Kayla Mendoza helped extend the lead to 8-0, reaching base and driving in another run as the Mounties continued to capitalize on every opportunity.

Bakersfield managed to get on the board in the bottom half of the inning, using a bases-loaded walk and a sacrifice fly to cut the deficit to 8-2. But any momentum was short-lived.

Mt. SAC answered right back in the fifth. Sarai Raygoza delivered a sacrifice fly, and Sandoval capped off her standout performance with another RBI single—her third hit of the game—to push the lead to 10-2.

With the run-rule in effect, the Mounties closed it out early after five innings.

In the circle, Zoe Herford was steady and effective from start to finish. She allowed just two hits and one earned run while striking out six, keeping Bakersfield guessing all game long.

KEY PLAYERS:

• Emily Sandoval: 3-for-4, 3 RBI, 2 runs, home run
• Kayla Mendoza: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, double

NEXT UP:

The Mounties return home for a crucial South Coast Conference matchup against El Camino on Tuesday, April 14 at 1:00 PM. With the Warriors right behind them in the standings, it's shaping up to be a big one as Mt. SAC looks to keep building momentum. Come out to support the team!

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.