The Pomona-Pitzer women’s softball team came up with a huge win over Redlands, ranked #2 in SCIAC, last Saturday in the second game of a doubleheader. It was the Sagehens’ second time defeating Redlands in the entire history of the softball program.
After being mercied 8-0 in the first game, the Hens’ powerful hitting propelled them to a 10-7 victory in the second game. Caitlin Hynes PO ’14 homered in the third and sixth innings, driving in five runs total. Ali Corley PO ’11 also homered in the third inning, going 3 for 4 and driving in 4 runs. Alexis Garcia PZ ’11, after not having pitched a game in almost two years, stifled the Bulldog offense.
“It was great to finally prove ourselves in a conference game. Coming back after a loss is always tough, but it was exciting to finally see all our hard work pay off in such a big way,”Hynes said.
Gina Bock PO ’14 described the game as “one of the best moments of the season. Our team really pulled together and played awesome.”
The Sagehens first beat Redlands in 2008, when the current seniors were freshmen. Corley remembers being a part of the team during that victory.
“As freshmen, our team established that it was possible to beat them, and now this year we reinforced that by doing it again,” she said. “I’m especially happy that Alexis Garcia pitched for the win because as a senior, she knows how much it means to the team. And this was our last chance to ever face them. I’m proud to have been a part of both victories.”
Garcia agreed that the victory meant a lot to the team, and especially to the seniors.
“As a senior, winning this game was extra special,” she said. “The best feeling was walking off the field watching Redlands still in their team huddle.”
The Hens also defeated La Sierra University in both games of a double header last Wednesday. Cross tossed a no-hitter in the first game, pitching five innings of shutout ball. The Hens scored eight runs in this game and were able to mercy La Sierra. Hynes, Roach, and Kathryn Rabak PZ ’11 led the Sagehen offense with two RBI doubles. Corly also homered in the third inning and Jamie Goldberg PO ’11 singled and drove in a run.
The Hens won the second game 6-2, with Brianna Marcantoni PZ ’12 going 3 for 4 and scoring two runs. Goldberg also went 2-3 and scored a run. Corley homered in the sixth inning and drove in two runs, sealing the victory. Marilyn Cresswell PO ’14 pitched a solid game to earn the win. Cross came in and pitched the last 1 2/3 innings, closing the game.
Today, the Hens travel to Chapman for a doubleheader, and on Saturday they face Occidental in a doubleheader.