CYPRESS, CA – The Cypress College Softball team did not let a little rain get in the way on Friday as they battled the visiting Santa Ana Dons for sole possession of first place in the Orange Empire Conference standings. The No. 2 Chargers came through with a victory over the Dons, despite a slow start, 13-4.

The Chargers were shaky to start the game, as Hope Davalos (W, 14-1) saw two runs score on four hits in the top of the first, while Cypress got nothing going offensively through the first two innings.  

However, the defending State Champions found some life in the bottom of the third as Gabrielle Munoz (2-for-3, RBI) singled to score Kiani Puailoa (3-for-3, 3 RBI) from third. The Chargers then took advantage of back-to-back mistakes on defense by the Dons. Tianna Harris (0-for-3) reached on a fielding error by the pitcher to load the bases and Vanessa Ayala (0-for-3, RBI) reached on a fielding error at first base to score pinch runner Rebecca Espinosa from third, tying the game 2-2.

As Davalos continued to settle in, holding the Dons scoreless in the fourth, the Chargers piled on nine runs to blow the game open in the bottom of the fourth inning, taking an 11-2 lead. Santa Ana did not quit, keeping their chances alive with two runs scoring in the fifth on a 2 RBI double from Jeana Gonzales.

With Munoz on second and no outs in the bottom of the fifth, sophomore catcher Kellee Ross turned on an inside pitch from De La Torre, sending it deep over the left field wall for her second HR of the season, which ended the game via mercy rule, 13-4.

Cypress softball will resume action tomorrow in a non-conference match-up at home against Long Beach City College. First pitch scheduled for 1:00 p.m.

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