CYPRESS, CA – The Cypress College softball team improved to 7-0 on the season, extended their win streak to 55 consecutive games, before entering Orange Empire Conference play next week. The Chargers, who entered the week ranked No. 1 in the first 2018 3CFCA Coaches Poll, first defeated Pasadena City College (5-2) 9-1 in six innings, followed by a 4-2 victory over College of the Canyons (3-6) in Saturday's double-header.
Sophomore pitcher Hope Davalos earned her CCCAA leading fifth win in her start against Pasadena and her first save of the season in relief against Canyons on Saturday. She went a combined 8.2 innings while allowing just one run on five hits. Sophomore catcher Kellee Ross led the Chargers' offense, going 3-for-6 with 3RBI and a walk.
Despite only returning two starters from last season's state championship team, the Chargers are poised to make a run at a fourth consecutive and 23rd total Orange Empire Conference Title as well as a second consecutive and 10th total CCCAA State Championship. "This year's team has to go out and work hard every day. We can't just show up and expect to beat teams with pure talent, but if we play defense and throw strikes we can compete with anybody," said Head Coach Brad Pickler.
The Cypress College softball program is no stranger to big games. According to Coach Pickler, the team recognizes that Wednesday's conference opener at Santiago Canyon (9-1) could have OEC championship implications. "We are looking forward to opening up conference against Santiago Canyon. It will be a great test for our young team to really see where we stand."
Wednesday's game between the top-ranked Chargers and No. 6 Santiago Canyon is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.
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