Softball: Early runs not enough to overcome in 4-1 loss

File Photo: Kayla Hernandez drove in the team's only run with a bases loaded walk
File Photo: Kayla Hernandez drove in the team's only run with a bases loaded walk

A four-run first inning by host Chaffey College on Tuesday proved to be too much to overcome, as the Cerritos College softball team suffered a 4-1 South Coast Conference crossover loss. The Falcons (3-2) will continue their busy week, as they travel to Santiago Canyon College for a 3:00 p.m. non-conference game on Wednesday.

The Panthers started the game with a leadoff double, and with an out and a runner at third base, Veronica Macias singled for the first run of the inning. Erika Dominguez followed with an RBI double, with Morgan Finley clubbing a two-run home run for a 4-0 Chaffey lead off freshman starting pitcher Sierra Gerdts (Montebello HS). After that, Gerdts allowed just two hits the rest of the way and battled out of a jam in the bottom of the sixth inning when she left the bases loaded after surrendering a pair of walks.

On the offensive side, the Falcons scored their lone run in the top of the fifth inning. Sophomore catcher Briana Lopez (Norwalk HS) drew a one-out walk and then advanced to third base on a double by freshman second baseman Kayla Aros (Torrance HS). With two outs, freshmanfirst baseman Keira Bolinas (Torrance HS) walked to load the bases. Freshman Kayla Hernandez (Santa Fe HS) stepped in to pinch-hit for freshman designated player Nicoal Magdaleno (La Habra HS) and drove in the team's lone run with a walk. The rally ended when freshman shortstop Tena Spoolstra (Mayfair HS) flied out.

Cerritos did threaten in the third inning and left the bases loaded. Freshman outfielder Brianna Spoolstra (Mayfair HS) led off with a double, with sophomore outfielder Emma Wolff (Mayfair HS) getting hit by a pitch. With two outs, sophomore third baseman Rain Vega (La Mirada HS) walked, but Bolinas popped up to third base for the final out. In the sixth inning Brianna Spoolstra singled with one out and moved to second base after Wolff was hit by a pitch. But they would not be able to cash in on their scoring opportunity.