By Robert Nilsen
CYPRESS, CA – Cypress softball (41-0, 21-0 OEC) continued their unbeaten run as they took Game 1 of their Southern California regional series against Allan Hancock College (28-14, 19-5 WSN) by the score of 5-2.
Destiny Vazquez (24-0) picked up her 24th win of the season as she pitched a complete game while allowing just 2 runs, including 1 earned run on 5 hits, while striking out 5 Bulldogs. Jenny Vazquez (2-for-3, 2 RBI) and Destiny Vazquez (1-for-2, 2 RBI) powered the Chargers offense.
Bailey Killough (17-7) received the loss for the Bulldogs after allowing 5 runs, including 4 earned runs on 6 hits in 4.1 innings.
Cypress opened up the scoring in the bottom of the first inning. Melanie Okazaki (1-for-3) led off the inning by reaching on an error. After stealing second, Okazaki scored the first run of the game on a base hit by Jenny Vazquez to give the Chargers a 1-0 lead. Nicole Wise (1-for-2, RBI) then stepped to the plate and ripped an RBI single into center field to make it 2-0. Later in the inning Destiny Vazquez delivered a 2-run single to pad the Chargers lead to four after just one inning.
The Bulldogs got on the board in the top of the third inning on an RBI single by Larrissa Ostrander to cut the Chargers lead to 4-1. The Chargers reestablished their 4 run lead in the bottom of the fourth inning as Jenny Vazquez drove a 2 out triple to center field to increase the Chargers lead to 5-1. The Bulldogs pulled a run back on an error in the top of the sixth inning to make it 5-2. Destiny Vazquez was able to shut the door in the seventh inning as the Chargers won game 1.
The Chargers will look to take the series tomorrow as they play game 2 against Allan Hancock at 12:00 PM and if necessary Game 3 will be at 2:00 PM. Tickets to the CCCAA postseason event are $12 for general admission and $8 for faculty, staff, students, seniors, and children.
Stay connected with the Chargers through social media. Follow Cypress College Athletics on Twitter @CypressChargers. Check in with the Chargers on Facebook/CypressChargers and on Instagram @CypressChargers.
