Big Seventh Leads Hawks to Win Over Riverside

The Santiago Canyon College softball team faced a four-run deficit heading into the top of the seventh inning in the first game of a three-game series against the Riverside City College Tigers on the road. Despite trailing, the Hawks strung together five hits and scored four runs in the final frame to secure a 10–8 victory.

The seventh inning told the story. Freshman center fielder Carmen Sanchez led off the inning by reaching on an error and promptly advanced to second base on a wild pitch. Sophomore shortstop Mikayla Martinez then drove a 1–0 pitch into right field for a double, plating Sanchez. Sophomore catcher Allie Kirkpatrick followed by lacing a double to right field as well, scoring Martinez in the next at-bat.

After recording two consecutive outs, the Hawks rallied with two down in the inning. Freshman designated player Alexis Chavez sparked the push with a single to right field, bringing home Kirkpatrick. Two more consecutive RBI hits from freshman second baseman Marriah Barron and sophomore right fielder Emily Ceballos gave the Hawks a 10–8 lead heading into the bottom of the seventh inning.

Sophomore starting pitcher Victoria Recendez, who re-entered the contest in the bottom of the fifth inning, was tasked with closing out the game. She did just that, retiring the side and securing the 10–8 victory.

The Hawks tallied 12 hits and forced the Tigers into five errors. Leading the offensive charge was Martinez, who went 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored. Chavez matched Martinez's 3-for-4 performance while driving in a run and scoring twice.

E. Ceballos finished 2-for-4 with two RBIs, while freshman third baseman Violet Avila added a double and two RBIs.

Recendez (5–5) earned the win in the circle after tossing six innings and allowing three earned runs while striking out one.