HORNETS HOLD OFF TIGERS

The Hornet softball team got off on the right foot in Orange Empire Conference-play on Wednesday night holding off a surging Riverside City squad 7-6. 

It was a big statement-win for Fullerton, who opened conference-play on the road against a tough RCC squad. The win gives FC an overall record of 5-1-1 with an OEC record of 1-0. The Tiger loss lands the team 4-6 overall and 0-1 in the OEC. 

It was a quiet first three innings with the Tigers snagging a run in the second and Fullerton answering the call in the fourth to tie it up. It was Olivia Nunez's single up the middle that plated Monique Rangel. 

The FC offense woke up in the fifth inning exploding for 3 runs. Bella Morales poked a single to second base, scoring Alendy Aguilar, and then Dee Ramirez came up big smashing a 2-run homerun over the left field fence.  

Riverside cut the lead in half (4-2) in the bottom of the fifth, and then added another run in the sixth.  

Up 4-3 heading into the top of seven, the Hornets hit back hard scoring another 3 runs. Bella Morales struck again hitting a single to left field that scored Alendy Aguilar. Casey Dufrene popped a shot to second base allowing Dee Ramirez and Morales the chance to cross home plate. 

The Tigers made a strong push in the bottom of the seventh dropping 2 runs on the Hornets. Fortunately, the FC defense held strong with relief pitcher Madison Pevehouse locking down her first save of the season. 

Starting pitcher Emily Flores (2-0) earned her second win going 6.1 innings with 1 walk and 5 strikeouts. 

Up Next: Fullerton (5-1-1 overall, 1-0 OEC) will play a make-up game at Antelope Valley College today at 1:00 pm.