Softball Halts Bobcats Seventh Inning Rally to Take the Season Series

The Riverside City College softball team carted a four-run lead into the top of the seventh inning looking to snap a four-game losing streak against the Saddleback College Bobcats in Orange Empire Conference (OEC) action. Despite allowing two runs in the top of the seventh, freshman starting pitcher Jazmine Lara was able to strand three runners on base and force a game-ending pop out leading to a 5-3 win.

Lara, who entered the circle for her 12^th start of the season, was masterful throughout the majority of her outing. Thorough her first four innings, she allowed just three hits which included a mere solo homerun. Despite the run, she consistently kept the Bobcats off balance leading to one strikeout and four groundouts to freshman shortstop Sophia Franco-Colis.

Offensively, Riverside leaned on a four run first inning. Lara led the inning off with a triple down the right field line and quickly came into score on an infield single from freshman center fielder Tessah Black. Freshman first baseman Alicia Fitzgerald followed by launching her team-leading fourth homerun of the season to drive in two RBI. Freshman catcher Julianna Garcia capped the early rally with a double to right center field scoring So. Franco-Colis to snag an early 4-0 advantage.

Fitzgerald provided some insurance in the bottom of the fourth inning by singling to left field, plating Lara for a 5-1 lead.

The Bobcats showed signs of life in the seventh inning, but Lara had other plans as she slammed the door leading to a 5-3 win.

Fitzgerald went 3-for-4 with a two-run jack and three RBI, while Lara went 2-for-4 with two runs scored. She also tossed a complete game after allowing nine hits and three runs.

Black went 2-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI as well.