Cypress Moves into First Place Tie with Win over Santa Ana

Cypress Calif.- The Cypress College softball team (26-7, 13-3 OEC) defeated the visiting Santa Ana College Dons (21-11, 13-3 OEC) in five innings on Wednesday afternoon to move into a tie for the OEC's top spot.

Both teams came out ready to play as they each got on the board in the first inning. Santa Ana scored first with an RBI single hit by catcher Annie Dowling to take a 1-0 lead heading into the bottom of the first.

The Chargers responded with five runs of their own to take a commanding 5-1 lead early in the game. Justice Walker made some huge plays for the Chargers in the first. Walker hit a two RBI triple off the center field wall and then took out the Don's catcher when stealing home, which allowed Walker and Kathy Villa to score.

Cypress would add to their lead with a two RBI home run in the second hit by Tobi Salzman, an RBI double from Salzman in the bottom of the fourth, and another two RBI home run in the fourth from Taylor Pierce. Santa Ana would remain scoreless after the first inning and the Chargers went on to mercy the Dons 10-1 in five innings. 

Taylor Pierce (13-4) continued her strong showing from the mound this season. Pierce allowed only two hits, one run, and collected six strikeouts in five innings against the Dons. Tobi Salzman led the Chargers from the plate with two hits, three RBI, and one walk in two at bats. 

The Chargers look to hold onto their top spot in the OEC when they visit Orange Coast College this Friday, April 10 at 2:00pm.