Tigers Take Down Orange Coast in Offensive Melee  

Sophomore catcher Aeriel Carlson (Highland, CA) has been launching softballs into orbit over the past month. In an Orange Empire Conference (OEC) matchup on Wednesday afternoon against the Orange Coast College Pirates, Carlson squared up two more homeruns leading to a four-RBI showing. Her offensive prowess led the Tigers past the Pirates by the final score of 8-7 for their second-straight conference victory.

Carlson notched a pair of two-run blasts in the game. The first one came in the top of the third inning to put Riverside up by three runs. The second bomb came in a huge moment as she sent a pitching soaring over the fence in the top of the seventh inning to break a six-all tie to go up 8-6.

Carlson, who now leads the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) in homeruns, currently sits at the top of the leaderboard with eight round-trippers. Seven of her homers have come in February while five have been against conference competitors. Furthermore, she sits fourth in the state in slugging percentage with a mark of 1.091.

The Tigers, while paced by Carlson, had plenty to offer on the offensive front. Sophomore designated player A'loni Appleton (Rialto, CA) was sensational at the dish as well. She went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI. She is 8-for-13 (.615) in her last five games played.

Sophomore third baseman Terri Nava (Yucca Valley, CA) and freshman second baseman Breanna Ceballos (Ontario, CA) notched two base hits as well.

Freshman starter Riley Peckels (Moreno Valley, CA) earned the victory in the circle, while sophomore Synphony Hall (Rialto, CA), who started the game, re-entered and earned her second save of the season.

The Tigers (9-3, 2-0 OEC) return home on Friday, February 23^rd as they face off against the Saddleback College Gauchos in conference action at 2 p.m.