Walnut, Calif. – And just like that, the Mt. SAC Softball Team wrapped up their regular season with a 10-7 victory over Antelope Valley College on Thursday, April 23.
After narrowly falling to the Marauders earlier this season, this was the win they needed to keep momentum moving in their direction for the start of the playoffs.
The Mounties improve to 29-11 overall and secured a second-place finish in the conference at 16–5, while Cerritos claims the top spot at 18–3.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Emily Sandoval got things started for the Mounties in the bottom of the first, launching a two-run bomb to give Mt. SAC an early 2–0 lead. The freshman standout continues her dominant season, leading the SCC with 10 home runs and 52 RBI.
Antelope Valley hit a solo shot in the second, but the Mounties quickly answered. A two-RBI double to left-center from Angelina Martinez in the bottom half brought Sandoval and Izel Avalos home, extending the lead to 4–1.
The Marauders kept it tight, adding two runs in the third to make it a one-run game—but the Mounties had a big response waiting.
In the fourth, Mt. SAC broke things open. Behind a string of clutch hits—including a single from Sandoval, a double from Amanda Porterfield, and a three-run blast from Desiree Morales—the Mounties surged ahead 9–3.
But the Marauders were relentless. Jordyn Zinn sparked a rally with a two-RBI triple and later scored on a wild pitch. A single from Kaylei Victoria cut the deficit to 9–7, putting the pressure right back on Mt. SAC.
In the sixth, Marti Ann Leach delivered the insurance run with a single to right field, bringing home the girl who started it all, Emily Sandoval, capping the scoring at 10-7.
In the circle, Karissa Blanco got the start, tossing 2.2 innings. Zoe Herford came on in relief to earn her 16th win of the season, striking out five over three innings. Izel Avalos held onto the lead in the final frame, recording two strikeouts to secure the save.
KEY PLAYERS:
- Emily Sandoval: 3-for-3, 3 RBI, 3 runs, double, home run
- Desiree Morales: 2-for-3, 3 RBI, 1 run, home run
- Angelina Martinez: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, double
NEXT UP:
Stay tuned for playoff matchups, seeding, and schedule announcements as Mt. SAC looks to carry this momentum into a deep postseason run.
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.