Softball Plates Three Early, Cruises to Victory over Chaffey

Early game offense was the catalyst for the Riverside City College softball squad on Thursday night as they hosted the Chaffey College Panthers in non-conference play. A three-run first and strong starting pitching was the key to a 3-0 Tiger victory.

Riverside plated three runs in the contest and all of them came in the first inning. Sophomore center fielder Samantha Peluffo kicked off the rally with a leadoff walked, backed by a bunt single from freshman shortstop Natalie Del Monte. Two batters later, freshman catcher Zinaida Preciado squared up a two-RBI single to plate the duo. She later came around to score on an error by Chaffey's shortstop leading to a 3-0 advantage.

It was more than enough offensive cushion for freshman starter Alianna Arroyo in her first collegiate start. She went on to chuck six innings of scoreless ball featuring five punch-outs. She retired seven in a row at one point three of her five strikeouts.

Sophomore Melissa Lena-Nares entered for the final frame and retired the side leading to a 3-0 win.

Arroyo (1-0) picked up the win, while Lena-Nares earned her first save of the season.

Riverside (2-0) will hit the road on Saturday, February 1 to face off against Cerritos at 12 p.m.