By Rogelio Alvarez
The softball team ended a three game-losing streak after defeating Orange Coast College in nonconference play 5-2 on Monday at home.
“We had some girls that hit well today. Pitching actually did a pretty great job today,” softball head coach Erika Blanco said.
The win improved the Huskies overall record of 12-10, but are still 0-2 in Southern Coast Conference North play.
The Huskies had a slow start in the first inning whereas OCC was able to score a run and take an early lead. Two costly errors from the OCC defense gave the Huskies the lead 2-1 after the end of the second inning.
East Los Angeles College freshman shortstop Mone’t Manning forced the first error when an OCC infielder was unable to successfully catch a ground ball.
The error allowed ELAC sophomore first baseman Andrea Rocha to touch home plate and tie the game at 1-1. Manning then gave ELAC the lead after another error from OCC gave the opportunity to reach home plate.
Manning and Rocha were influential on both defense and offense throughout the game “They’re well coached. (ELAC players) have a high sense of energy. Erika does a great job with the ball club,” OCC head coach Jodie Legaspi-Kiaha said. The Husky defense did well to keep OCC from making a comeback, even though OCC has fewer strikeouts and more hits than the Huskies.
“I think being positive and cheering after one another helps a lot. We’re learning how to read each batter and how they bat more. That helps us a lot on knowing where the ball is going before they even hit the ball. We’re gluing together as a team,” ELAC freshman third baseman Destiny Avena said.
The Huskies showed strength in the fifth inning after OCC came close to tying the game. Manning hit a RBI single, where ELAC freshman infielder scored, extending the score to 3-1.
Manning then stole second base after catching the OCC defense off guard. ELAC freshman pitcher Samantha Alvarado completed the whole five innings and recorded 2 strikeouts.
“Some pitches I had were mispitched. I wasn’t as bad as I thought I was going to be. I can always improve. Working on my snaps actually helps a lot because it’s all about the movement on the spin of the ball,” Alvarado said.
The Huskies were unable to extend its winning streak yesterday when they lost 12-4 away at Cerritos College. The Huskies return to conference play as they hosts Chaffey College.
last Monday at home.