The Cerritos College softball team trailed Citrus College, 4-2 after two innings in their non-conference game at Nancy Kelly Field on Wednesday. However, the Falcons continued to chip away until a two-run sixth inning broke a tie and led them to a 6-4 win. The victory improved the team's record to 3-1, while the Owls dropped to 0-1. Cerritos will travel to Santiago Canyon College on Friday for a 2:00 p.m. game.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, after Cerritos had scored single runs in the third and fifth innings, sophomore outfielder Mackenzie Kutzke (Los Alamitos HS/University of Montana) drilled the first offering from Autumn Bartholmy for a two-out solo home run and a 5-4 lead. The inning continued with an infield single from sophomore outfielder Jezeree Misaalefua (Carson HS/Long Beach City College), and when sophomore Jenny Navarro (Warren HS) had her deep fly ball dropped in the alley, Misaalefua raced all the way around from first base for another run.

Freshman pitcher Kristen Voller (Norco HS), who came on in relief in the second inning, allowed two hits in the top of the seventh inning, but retired the final batter on a fly ball. Voller struck out the first six batters she faced, and set down the first 11 after coming in for Navarro. She ended up pitching the final 5 1/3 innings and allowed just three hits to earn the win.

Throughout the game, Cerritos had chances to score, but left runners on base. They were able to cash in one run in the first inning on a bases loaded walk to Navarro, while freshman first baseman Kylee Brown (Mayfair HS) drove in the second run with a bases loaded sacrifice fly in the second inning.

Navarro, who was hit by a pitch in the third inning, moved to second base on a fielder's choice, and then to third base on a fly out to right field. She came home on a passed ball to get the team to within 4-3. The tying run also came in the fifth inning without the benefit of a hit. Consecutive walks to Kutzke and Missalefua were followed by a fielder's choice by Navarro. Sophomore shortstop Raquel Norzagaray (Pioneer HS) brought Kutzke home on an infield groundout.

Photos by Daryl Peterson