Fullerton Wins Five Straight, Take Tournament

The softball team went on a tear over the spring vacation last week, winning five in a row during the stretch. ] On Wednesday the Hornets destroyed Orange Coast College 8-0. The Pirates (2-25, 0-13) could muster only three hits off of the tandem of Jacqueline Cervantes, who received the win (15-6), and Dominique Gonzalez, who each tossed three innings.

Orange Coast pitcher Chelsea Evers made it through the third inning, but surrendered five runs, all earned, and walked five. Jessica Aldrich came in relief, and gave up three runs, none of which were earned.

Fullerton's bats were hot throughout the game. Third baseman Brenda Jurado went one for four, but cranked a home run, and brought in three RBIs.

Shortstop Alicia Cano hit two doubles and walked in her other at bat.

Cervantes helped her own cause. She did not have a hit but came around to score two runs. Vicky Sotelo went one for three and drove in two runs, and catcher Shannon Essig had two RBIs of her own, hitting one for three.

Last weekend the Hornets (22-11-2, 8-5) swept the Ventura Tournament, taking out all four teams during the two days it was held.

On Sunday, in their second game of the day, the Hornets annihilated Mt. San Jacinto 11-0, forcing the game into submission after five innings of play. The Hornets shelled Eagles pitcher Karissa Buchanan. She lasted only one and one third innings surrendering six runs on seven hits. The Eagles (15-19, 5-4) managed only one hit against Cervantes, who again tossed a stellar game.

Cervantes again helped her own cause, going two for three with a home run and two runs batted in. Gonzalez, who did not pitch, went two for three with a solo jack for her only RBI. Cano and first baseman Jessica Barr each went three for three, and Barr knocked in two runs.

Earlier in the day Fullerton narrowly beat San Diego Mesa 5-4. The Olympians (15-20-1, 3-6) played a tight game, but could not get the run needed to tie. Gonzalez threw a complete game only surrendering two earned runs in the contest. Second baseman Kelly Lopez went two for three with a triple.

On Saturday, in the second game played that day, the Hornets shut out College of the Canyons 4-0. The Cougars (23-12, 14-3) could muster only two hits off of Cervantes, who pitched a complete game and struck out five. Sotelo went two for three and cranked a home run, driving in three RBIs.

The first game of the tournament was played early Saturday against Ventura (23-10, 13-4). The Hornet bats again dominated their opponents, and Gonzalez pitched a complete game, surrendering only one run on six hits.

Cervantes provided part of the potent offense again. She went two for two with two RBIs and a home run. Barr went three for five and came around to score two runs. Sotelo hit two doubles and scored two RBIs.

Fullerton looks to face only conference opponents in the coming week. They are currently placed third in the Orange Empire Conference, but could quickly pick up ground with the four games scheduled in the coming week.