CYPRESS, CA – The #3 Cypress College softball team took care of business in game two of the CCCAA Southern California Regional Series against #14 Southwestern. The Chargers defeated the Jaguars 8-2 in game one on Friday, followed by a thrilling 6-4 victory in Saturday's game two, to complete the first round series sweep. Cypress softball will host the second round of CCCAA Regional play on Friday, May 11 and Saturday, May 12. Opponent to be determined.
Sophomore pitcher Hailey Hoffman (W, 11-1) received the start and the win for Cypress in the circle on Saturday. Hoffman, who had a no-hitter going for three and a third innings, tossed a complete game, allowing just four runs on four hits.
"I just have a lot of confidence in my teammates to back me up," said Hoffman. Hoffman, who pitched sparingly during her freshman season, has shown great improvement during a breakout sophomore year. She currently ranks fifteenth in the state with a 1.77 ERA. "I've just focused on pitching more strikes. I feel better and more comfortable this year than I did last year."
It wasn't just pitching that got it done for the Chargers on Saturday, freshman duo Destiny Lucero (1-for-2, 3 RBI) and Gabrielle Munoz (2-for-4, RBI) powered the Cypress offense.
The game remained scoreless through the first three innings before Cypress opened the scoring in the top of the fourth. Lucero hit a sacrifice fly, scoring Kellee Ross (2-for-4, RBI) from third base.
However, the Jaguars answered with three runs in the bottom of the inning to take a 3-1 lead. Southwestern's Nicole Correia drilled an RBI double to center field followed by a two RBI single off the bat of Angelina Guthro.
Cypress quickly regained control with a two-out rally in the top of the fifth. Munoz got things going with an RBI single to center field. Kiani Puailoa (1-for-4, RBI) followed with a hard-hit RBI single that took the glove off the hand of the Jaguars' first baseman. Ross slapped an RBI single to center before Lucero capped off the rally with a two RBI double to deep left field.
Southwestern was able to manufacture one run in the bottom of the fifth, but it wasn't enough as the Chargers went on to take the game and the series.
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