Walnut, Calif. – Entering the game with nearly identical records and postseason implications on the line, this matchup had all the makings of an evenly-matched, high-energy battle that could go either way.

After slipping to No. 12 in the state rankings, Mt. SAC faced a tough test against No. 7 San Diego Mesa, a team that handed the Mounties a 6–2 loss earlier this season. But this time, on their home field, Mt. SAC came ready to rewrite the story.

In a back-and-forth showdown packed with momentum swings, the Mounties dug deep and edged out the Olympians 7–6 in a statement win as the regular season winds down.

With the victory, Mt. SAC improves to 28–11 overall, while Mesa drops to 26–12.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Although Zoe Herford is having an excellent season in the circle, this start was not one of her best – walking four batters to open the game.

After only a single out, Karissa Blanco came to the rescue, but not before capitalized on the situation, scoring three runs in the top of the first and putting the Mounties immediately in an uphill battle.

In the second inning, Isabella Aspeitia sparked the offense with a triple down the right field line, bringing home Hailey Montoya and cutting the lead to 3–1.

Momentum continued to build as Kayla Mendoza and Amanda Porterfield delivered clutch singles in the third and fourth innings to even the score at 3–3.

Mesa responded in the fifth, reclaiming the lead on a solo home run by Itzel Soto. An error in the sixth allowed the Olympians to extend their advantage to 5–3.

But the Mounties kept fighting. In the bottom of the sixth, Porterfield came through in a big moment, ripping a two-RBI double to right field to score Natalie Valiente and Sarai Raygoza, tying the game once again at 5–5.

Moments later, Desiree Morales delivered the decisive blow—a double to left-center that brought home Porterfield and Angelina Martinez, giving Mt. SAC its first lead of the game at 7–5.

Mesa made one last push in the seventh, narrowing the gap to one run, but the Mounties held firm to secure the big 7–6 victory.

KEY PLAYERS:

• Amanda Porterfield: 3-for-4, 3 RBI, 1 run, double
• Desiree Morales: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, double

NEXT UP:

Mt. SAC will close out the regular season at home against another tough opponent, Antelope Valley (29-10, 11-1), on Thursday, April 23. First pitch is set for 5:00 PM.

As a reminder, the Marauders handed the Mounties their first loss of the season back in early February in a narrow 6–5 contest and currently sit at No. 17 in the state.

Come out to support the team and cheer them on to a win to finish off the regular season!

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.