CYPRESS, CA – The Cypress College softball team clinched the 2018 Orange Empire Conference Title outright in Friday's 14-1 mercy rule victory at home over Golden West College. The softball program has claimed the last four OEC Titles and 16 of the last 17. It is the 23rd Conference Championship in program history, all coming under the leadership of Head Coach Brad Pickler. The victory moves No. 2 ranked Cypress to 31-6 overall and 17-2 in OEC play.
"It's a huge accomplishment for this year's team," said Pickler. "People have to realize it's a completely different team than last season's undefeated team. They bought in to coming to Cypress and trying to keep this thing going."
The Lady Chargers clinched this year's title in impressive fashion, as Hailey Hoffman (W, 10-1) and Adriana Barrera tossed a combined no-hitter, while the offense amassed 14 runs on 15 hits, including two home runs, led by sophomores Sydney McCollum (2-for-4, 3 RBI, HR) and Kellee Ross (2-for-3, 4 RBI).
Cypress has just three regular season games remaining, including two conference matchups, before entering postseason play where they have their sights set on a tenth CCCAA State Championship. "With high turnover at the community college level, it's tough to keep an elite level team together," said Pickler. "It's really a testament to the character of our players, who commit to excellence and continue to improve, regardless of their position or the amount of playing time they get."
Cypress softball will return to action at home on Saturday against non-conference opponent No. 20 El Camino at 1:00 pm. Watch a live video broadcast of the game brought to you by SportsNetUSA.net HERE.
Release by Wes McCurtis, Cypress College Athletics
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