Softball Bounces Back From Rough Opener

As rough as it went for the Pasadena City College softball team during its season-opening 11-1 loss at Palomar on Friday, the Lancers found it smooth sailing in bouncing back with a 10-3 victory over Allan Hancock Saturday in a game played at San Diego City College.

PCC (1-1) had gone 47 straight games going back to late 2017 for its last 5-inning, mercy rule shortened contest before last year's state finalist pounded the Lancers in the opener. Letterman shortstop Kaylee Medrano had a single and a walk for a lone team highlight.

The Lancers were supposed to play two games on Jan. 26, but SD City announced it had to postpone the start of it season and the team settled to play a neutral-site contest against Hancock. 

Pasadena responded with two runs in each of the first, third, fourth, fifth and sixth innings to a romp over the Bulldogs. Sophomore outfielder-catcher Nathalia Velasquez batted 3-for-3 with a double, triple, three runs scored and three RBI. Leftfielder Olivia Nanez went 2-for-2 with a triple and two RBI while centerfielder Gabi Perez was 1-for-2 with two runs scored and three stolen bases. Rightfielder Alise Allen knocked in two runs and was 1-for-3.

The pitching was strong as starter Vivian Little hurled four innings of 2-hit ball (two runs, four strikeouts) for her first collegiate victory. Freshman Austyn Helmuth hurled two innings of 2-hit relief (one unearned run) and sophomore Britney Lopez blew away Hancock in the seventh by striking out three batters after hitting two batters. 

In the sixth inning, pinch hitter Mikayla Talavera hit into a rarity as she lined into a 6-4-3 triple play turned by Hancock. 

Coach Monica Tantlinger's Lancers next play at Antelope Valley College on Wednesday, Jan. 30 in a 2 p.m. non-conference tilt.