With the game tied, 1-1 through the first three innings, sophomore outfielder Alyssa Capps (Downey HS) legged out a two-run triple with the outfield drawn in, which led the Cerritos College softball team to a 4-1 win over visiting El Camino College on Thursday. The win helped the Falcons (22-12, 14-5) stay within striking distance of Long Beach City College for second place in the South Coast Conference. The two teams will meet at Nancy Kelly Field on Friday at 3:00 p.m. in a rain make-up game. It's the first of two games between the rivals over the next four days.

Freshman outfielder Jazmine Macias (La Mirada HS) gave Cerritos a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning with a solo home run. The Warriors (19-15, 8-10) were able to tie the game in the top of the second inning when a bloop single by Ashley Salas dropped into short right field, which drove in Malia Martin, who led off with a single.

Cerritos sophomore pitcher Samantha Islas (Roosevelt HS) allowed three hits in that second inning, but held El Camino to just one more the remainder of the game. Islas (12-6) struck out a pair of batters on the day and retired the final 10 batters in the game.

In the important three-run fourth inning, sophomore shortstop Miranda Diaz (California HS) got things started by drawing a walk after being down 0-2 in the count. With one out, sophomore designated player Maddy Guillen (La Puente HS) slapped out a base hit to give Cerritos runners at first and second base. Looking for a bunt, the Warriors drew their infield and outfield in against Capps. After missing on two attempts to advance the runners with a bunt, she hit a simple base-high into right-centerfield, which rolled to the wall because the outfielders were playing very shallow. Capps was able to leg out a triple, and then scored on a double by sophomore second baseman Alyssa Sotelo (El Rancho HS).

After the game, the team presented head coach Kodee Murray with a plaque and signed softball to commemorate her 600th career victory. Back on April 8, Cerritos posted a 2-0 win over Fullerton College. In her 22nd overall season, Murray has compiled a 606-270-3 record.


Photos by Daryl Peterson