Softball season ends in playoffs

Close. But not close enough.

In the deciding game May 2 against host Fullerton College, the women’s softball team forced the game into overtime only to lose in the bottom of the ninth with final scores of 0-3 and 3-4 in games two and three.

Fullerton, finishing the season with a 26-13 record, will advance to the super regional round of the California Community College Athletic Association.

This was the fourth time in five years the Owls qualified for the playoffs.

Their season ended with a record of 24-18.

Over the three-day, weekend playoffs, the skies were clear and the stands full. Round one of the SoCal Regionals started May 1 in the Owls’ favor.

Citrus came out on top with a slim 1-0 win.

Infielder Tabitha Harrison scored the only run of the game in the second inning while pinch running for catcher Brittany Vasquez.

“To know I was the one to be able to touch home plate for the winning run is an amazing feeling," Harrison said. “It’s amazing to come out for the first game as a win.”

The crowd got heated in the fifth inning when an umpire’s call, advancing utility player Tamara Robles to second base on a throwing error, was challenged by Fullerton head coach Lisa Bassi.

In the sixth inning, Fullerton outfielder,Chelsie Schaal attempted to steal second base after bunting herself to first, but was put out by Citrus first baseman Rebecca Lopez.

“I'm proud of what they did here today,” said head coach Jackie Boxley. But, she added, “we need to hit the ball a little bit more."

Citrus pitcher Kimberly Lopez agreed. 

"I need to work on hitting my change up spots. That's the only pitch that wasn't working … but our defense was good, and everybody played good," Lopez said.

On Sunday, Fullerton came back in game two of the best two-of-three series when Hornet third baseman Jackie Munoz hit a homer over the left field fence in the second inning and scored the first run of the game.

Fullerton continued to lead in the third inning with a run scored by right fielder, number five, Jackie Taylor.

Fullerton player Niki Hieda, while pinch running for designated player Brandi Escarzaga  took first, and scored the final run in the fifth inning.

The game ended 3-0 Hornets.

"[The team] had a very hard week of practice and they really busted their tails and got after it. They just came out and they fought for it this weekend. We lost our last regular game season and they wanted to fight it out and get it back,” Boxley said.

Fullerton scored the first three runs in the deciding game on Sunday.

Two runs were scored in the second inning by Fullerton shortstop Diana Payan and second baseman Niki Hieda.

Destinee Quinn replaced Owl pitcher Kimberly Lopez in the bottom of the third after Payan took first.

Citrus third basemen Amanda Herrera scored a run in the fourth inning after catcher

Brittany Vasquez hit the ball into center field.

Owls Annette Diaz and Rebecca Lopez scored two more runs in the sixth inning to tie up the score, but lost in the ninth with three consecutive outs and an advance to first by hornet Nycole Ortega.

“The whole season overall my pitching has been pretty strong … Ending on this last game made me feel happy about it,” Fullerton pitcher Kelsey Marker said.

Citrus pitcher Kimberly Lopez finished with a 15-12 record, 163.1 innings pitched, 70 batters struck out, and 33 walks allowed.

Second basemen Annette Diaz lead the team with 28 runs, 45 hits, and 66 outs.
“Next season we’re looking forward to a stronger finish,” Owl first basemen Rae Anne

Redmon said. “We have a lot of talent so hopefully we can take conference next year.”

The Owls finished their season with an overall win-loss record of 24-18 and 14-4 in the Western State Conference.