Azusa, CA (Softball) -- Freshman Maura Aguilar went 2 for 3 with 2 run’s scored in helping lead the Lady Owls to their first conference win of the season with a 8-5 victory over visiting Allan Hancock College. Citrus used two big innings and 10 hits to distance themselves from the Bulldogs.
The first of two big run scoring innings came in the bottom of first inning, when Amanda Herrera got things going when she did what a lead-off batter does and got on base to start the rally. With Herrera on first, sophomore Courtney Mihm came to the plate and stroked a single to right field.
After Herrera and Mihm stole second and third respectively, sophomore Cassie Ward got the first RBI of the day, by driving in Herrera thanks to a single to centerfield. With runners on the corners, freshman Vivian Serna came up and drilled a triple to left-field that cleared the bases and gave Citrus an early 3-0 lead.
While Citrus scored early and often, Allan Hancock would wait until the middle innings to get some runs on the board. The Bulldogs started off with a run in the third (which Citrus answered in the bottom of the same inning), and added two more in the subsequent innings closing the gap and trailing 3-4 going into the bottom of the sixth.
That’s when Citrus took over. The Lady Owls scored four runs in the bottom of the sixth, two thanks to a double to left-field off the bat of Amanda Herrera. Allan Hancock would come back with two, two out runs in the top of the seventh, but it was too little too late, as the Lady Owls picked up the 8-5 win.
Citrus starter Kelly Martin moved to 4-0 with seven solid innings of work. Martin surrendered nine hits and gave up just three earned runs, while striking out four batters in the process.
With the win, Citrus improves to 5-3 overall and 1-2 in Western State Conference play. The Lady Owls, which will be playing five games in five days this week, will be back at home tomorrow afternoon to take on visiting LA Pierce College. First pitch is set for 2:30 PM.
Box Score