Softball: Lack of clutch hitting hurts Falcons in loss

Tena Spoolstra went 3-for-4 in the Falcons loss to El Camino
Tena Spoolstra went 3-for-4 in the Falcons loss to El Camino

On Thursday in their South Coast Conference game against visiting El Camino College, the Cerritos College softball team didn't have any problem getting on base. The Falcons (16-11, 4-3), who had 10 hits, were unable to drive in their baserunners, which contributed to their 8-1 loss to the Warriors (23-6, 8-0). The team will travel to Cypress College on Friday for a 2:00 p.m. non-conference game.

Trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the second inning, freshman designated player Deja Sendejas (El Rancho HS) singled and advanced to second base on an infield single by freshman outfielder Kayla Aros (Torrance HS). Sophomore second baseman Rain Vega (La Mirada HS) hit into a fielder's choice for the second out and freshman pitcher Sierra Gerdts (Montebello HS) struck out to end the inning.

El Camino added a pair of runs on a home run from Diamond Lewis in the third inning, with the Falcons putting themselves in position to cut into their deficit in the bottom of the stanza. Freshman third baseman Kayla Hernandez (Santa Fe HS) led off with a base hit up the middle and freshman pinch-runner Melissa Corona (Gahr HS) advanced to third base on a single from Aros. After Aros was cut down at second base on a fielder's choice, sophomore Emma Wolff (Mayfair HS) popped up to end the scoring chance.

The Falcons did get on the board in the bottom of the fifth inning when freshman shortstop Tena Spoolstra (Mayfair HS) singled with one out and moved to second base on an infield single from freshman outfielder Brianna Spoolstra (Mayfair HS). With two outs, Hernandez laced a single up the middle to drive in Tena Spoolstra. On the day, Cerritos left 10 runners on base, with five of them in scoring position.

Tena Spoolstra and Aros each collected three hits in the game.

Photos by Daryl Peterson