Softball Snaps Three Game Slide
Poor weather has halted any action for the Santiago Canyon College softball team of late, but clear Friday skies in San Diego, CA called for first pitch as they faced off against the San Diego City College Knights in non-conference action. Early offense and a dominant pitching performance from sophomore hurler Madison Lee led to a commanding 5-0 victory.
The Hawks wasted no time getting active in the batters box as they plated three runs in the top of the first inning. After two quick outs to start the frame, sophomore backstop Raneem Kerdiya kept the inning alive with a single to left. Freshman designated player Isabella Altamamirano followed by drawing a walk, backed by freshman third baseman Kiana Bell wearing a pitch to load the bases with two down. Freshman shortstop Yasmine Garcia came through with a two-RBI single to send Altamarino and R. Kerdiya trotting home to score the first runs of the contest.
The inning continued after freshman right fielder Tasneem Kerdiya drew a walk to send freshman second baseman Selena Salcido up to the dish. Salcido poked a single to right field, scoring Bell, to hand the Hawks a 3-0 lead.
Despite a lengthy top half of the first, Lee took to the circle and got down to business. She retired the first nine batters she faced until allowing a measly single up the middle. Throughout the first three innings, she fanned four batters with two coming in the first inning.
She only found herself pitching with runners in scoring position in the fourth and seventh innings. Other than that, she was lights out leading to seven strikeouts and allowing a mere two hits.
The Hawks added a pair of insurance runs in the sixth inning. Much like the opening frame, they struck after making two quick outs. Sophomore center fielder Alyssa Patlan kicked off the inning with a hit by pitch, followed by a single from freshman left fielder Haley Perez. R. Kerdiya stayed hot and barreled a bases-clearing double to left field to give the Hawks a 5-0 lead and the victory.
Lee (3-6) went the distance by chucking a two-hit shutout. Offensively, the Hawks connected for eight knocks with two going for extra bases. Patlan and R. Kerdiya each secured two-baggers with R. Keridya going 2-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored.
Garcia went 2-for-4 with two RBI, while Perez, Bell and Salcido each producing one base knock.