CYPRESS, CA – The Cypress College softball team improved to 28-5 overall and 15-2 in the Orange Empire Conference with a six inning victory over the visiting Orange Coast College Pirates (15-18, 6-11 OEC) on Friday afternoon, 9-1. With four OEC games remaining and a three-game lead in the standings, the Chargers are just one win away from clinching a share of the 2018 OEC Title.

Sophomore pitcher Hailey Hoffman (W, 8-1) received the win in the circle, allowing just one run on three hits in six innings. OCC starter Danielle Votendahl (L, 3-4) received her fourth loss of the season after giving up seven runs, three of which were earned, on eight hits and three walks in four innings.

Tianna Harris (2-for-3, RBI) and Gabrielle Munoz (1-for-3, 2 RBI) led the Chargers on offense.

The Chargers jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the bottom of the second. Sydney McCollum (1-for-1, RBI) drove in the game's first run on a sacrifice fly to left field before Infinity Laufou 1(-for-2, RBI) drilled an RBI single to center field.

Cypress erupted for five additional runs in the fourth inning, taking advantage of two critical fielding errors made by the Pirates to take a 7-0 lead.

Orange Coast answered with a run in the sixth, but Cypress ultimately ended the game in the bottom of the inning. Alexis Riviera (1-for-2, RBI) slapped a single to center field with runner on first and second. Celeste Rodriguez (1-for-1) beat an errant throw to home plate allowing Vanessa Ayala (1-for-3) to dart past third and score the game's winning run.

No. 2 softball will return to action tomorrow in a state championship rematch on the road against No. 5 Mt. SAC. Games are scheduled for 3:00/5:00 p.m.

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