Taking advantage of four Cerritos College errors, visiting Cypress College went on to post a 9-2 non-conference win on Monday at Nancy Kelly Field. The Falcons, (10-11), who committed two of those errors in the second inning that led to the first two Chargers (18-2) runs, also surrendered a pair of home runs in the loss. The team will resume South Coast Conference play on Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. when they host Rio Hondo College.
Looking to extend the game, Cerritos scored twice in the bottom of the fifth inning to avoid the mercy rule from being in affect. In the inning, freshman catcher Erica Martinez (Kennedy HS) dropped a single into right field, while a ground ball off the bat of freshman outfielder Haley Davis (Mayfair HS) was mishandled by Cypress shortstop Lesley Bojorquez, which put runners at first and second base. Sophomore shortstop Tena Spoolstra (Mayfair HS) then laid down a perfect bunt and beat the throw to first base by pitcher Janea Brannen. The ball was thrown wild, which allowed both runners to come around and score.
It would turn out to be the final hit on the day for the Falcons. As for Brannen, not only did she pitch a complete game, she also clubbed a pair of home runs. She hit a three-run home run in the top of the third inning and capped off the scoring with a solo shot in the seventh inning.
Spoolstra had two of the team's three hits, while freshman Sophia Collazo (Paramount HS) stepped in at third base and made seven putouts, including a nice play to her glove side in the second inning.
Photos by Daryl Peterson
