(Walnut, CA) It was an explosion of bats Tuesday afternoon, as both Mt. SAC and Orange Coast combined for 24 hits.

The Mounties led the way with 13 hits and came away with an 8-5 win.

Freshman first baseman Alyssa Castenada got the hit parade going with a solo home run in the second inning for the 1-0 lead.

OCC briefly took a 2-1 lead the next inning, but the Mounties came right back for four runs in the bottom of the inning to lead for good.

Both third baseman Alyssa Nicklas (1 for 4, Dbl, R, 2 RBI) and Castenada (2 for 3, R, Tpl., 3 RBI, HR) hit a double and triple, respectively, for two RBI's each and the 5-2 lead. 

"It was really the battle of the bats," Castenada said. "We've been hot. Offensively we've been killing it. It was nice to kind of show it (Tuesday).

"It was my first (HR) in college and exciting.

Castenada spoke of the crazy last year for all athletes.

"I think it's just adversity," she said. "Learning how to come back from things that really don't go your way and controlling (things) and just being out here every second and loving it."

Freshman shortstop Ariana Coronado (3 for 4, R) led the way with three hits, while three other players had two hits for the Mounties - centerfielder Emily Barba (2 for 4, 2 RBI), left fielder Valerie Alcala (2 for 3, R) and catcher Brooke De La O (2 for 3, 2 R, Dbl., RBI).

Sophomore pitcher Annalisa Panuco, with five strikeouts and a complete game, picked up the win for Mt. SAC.

Mt. SAC (8-4) will host Fullerton Tuesday (May 19).

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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.