Glendale, CA (Softball) -- Freshman Tamara Robles led the Citrus College Softball team off to a strong start this weekend at the Glendale Tournament. Robles batted .700 (7 for 10) in four games for the Lady Owls with five RBI’s and three run’s scored, as she helped lead Citrus to a 2-3 mark to open the season.
Despite the losing record, Citrus proved that they are ready to hang with the big boys thanks to some strong play with perennial title contending teams. The Lady Owls opened up the weekend with a 3-2 loss to Cerritos College who played in the State Tournament last year and won the whole thing two years ago. The Lady Owls did their best to overcome a three spot in the second inning, but came up just short as Lauren Pulley’s 2 RBI’s in the sixth would be the only runs Citrus mustered.
Citrus faced the same luck in the second game on Friday afternoon. The Lady Owls fell 4-3 after surrendering a one run lead in the fifth inning. Rae Anne Redmon’s solo shot in the sixth would tie the game up, but Ventura come back with an unearned run in the bottom of the inning to claim the victory when time ran out.
In a 0-2 hole to start the season, Citrus rallied on Saturday and rallied strong mercy ruling LA Pierce and Oxnard Colleges. Robles’ 3-run shot in the opening inning of the Pierce game would be the catalyst Citrus needed as they hung 11 runs on the Brahma’s and won in five 11-0.
The Lady Owls continued their offensive outpouring in the second game returning All-SoCal honoree and Citrus College sophomore Amanda “Turbo” Herrera finally got her bat going against the Condors of Oxnard. Herrera went 2 for 3 with two runs and two RBI’s as Citrus knocked off Oxnard 8-0 in just five innings.
After their stellar outings on Saturday, the Lady Owls continued in the tournament on Sunday where they drew Long Beach City College. The Vikings have own two State Titles (1995, 2001) and were in the State Final Eight just two seasons ago. Citrus hung tough with Long Beach, but come up just short falling 2-5.
The Lady Owls 2010 schedule won’t be getting any easier. Citrus will host its first home contest of the season on Tuesday when they play host to the defending State Championship Mt. SAC Mounties. First pitch is set for 5:00 PM.
Box Score vs Cerritos
Box Score vs Ventura
Box Score vs LA Pierce
Box Score vs Oxnard
Box Score vs Long Beach City