Softball Overcomes Five Run Deficit, Clips SD Mesa

The moral of today's outcome is to never count out the Riverside City College softball team.

After facing a five-run deficit at the end of the second inning, the Tigers dug deep and began to claw their way back into a non-conference game against the San Diego Mesa College Olympians. Riverside went on to score nine runs in the following three frames leading to a 9-7 triumph.

Freshman starting pitcher Carrah Van Houten earned the start in the circle and struggled from the get go by allowing the Olympians to tag her for a four spot in the opening frame. She was relieved my sophomore Marissa-Lena Nares and she was able to stop the bleeding for the following three frames.

Riverside clawed back to etch two runs in the bottom of the third inning via an error and a walk. They continued on to tie the contest in the bottom of the fourth inning. Sophomore catcher Zinaida Preciado drew a walk with the bases loaded to score sophomore center fielder Samantha Peluffo, who started the inning with a walk. Freshman first baseman Cathey Martinez followed by wearing a pitch, forcing freshman third baseman Jazlyn Dean to come home. Freshman pinch hitter Elena Perez capped the inning with an RBI single, plating Salas, to tie the game at five all.

Riverside took the lead the following inning as Preciado clutched up with two outs in the inning and launched a three-run jack to left-center field. Freshman left fielder Leala Hernandez added an insurance run with an RBI double to right center field, plating Martinez, to grab a 9-6 lead.

SD Mesa attempted to attempted to mount a comeback by plating one more run in the game, but Nares slammed the door to hand Riverside a 9-7 win.

Nares (6-4) tossed six innings en route to the victory. She fanned four batters and allowed three runs – two being earned.

Preciado was the catalyst by recording six RBI including a three-run homerun. Freshman left fielder Mia Gomez, freshman designated player Annabelle Salas and Hernandez each recorded two hits.

The Tigers (8-12, 2-4 OEC) will continue action at home against the Fullerton College Hornets on Wednesday, March 11 at 6 p.m., pending weather. Stay tuned to www.rccathletics.com for more updates.