In their season opener, the Cerritos College softball team posted 12 runs against Glendale College. But just one day later, the Falcons had trouble pushing runs across the plate, as they dropped an 8-2 non-conference decision against Santa Ana College in their home opener on Wednesday. Cerritos (0-2) will look for their first win on Friday at 3:00 p.m. when they host Riverside City College.

The Falcons were as close as 3-2 after the second inning, but saw the Dons (2-0) score the final five runs of the game, which including scoring at least once in the first six stanzas. Cerritos scored single runs in the first and second innings, with sophomore shortstop Stephanie Olivas (Warren HS) clubbing her first home run of the season in the second inning.

Sophomore pitcher Katherine Flores (El Rancho HS) struggled in her 2 2/3 innings of work, allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits, while she hit a pair of batters. Three of the six hits allowed were infield hits, while one scoring, as did both of the hit batters. Sophomore Jamie Ramirez (El Rancho HS) pitched the remainder of the game and surrendered four runs on eight hits.

At the plate, the Falcons collected just five hits, with Olivas accounting for two hits. In the bottom of the first inning, Cerritos had a chance to do some offensive damage, as they loaded the bases for freshman catcher Haley Petruccelli (Torrance HS). Against Glendale, Petruccelli launched a grand slam, but struck out on three pitches. Freshman second baseman Monique Ramirez (Torrance HS) drew a walk to bring home the team's first run. The threat ended on a pop out by freshman outfielder Krystal Purkey (Gahr HS).

Photos by Daryl Peterson