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.