BRINGING THE HEAT ON SOPHOMORE DAY

The FC softball team hosted its final regular-season game on Friday and brought the heat against Orange Coast College 10-5.

It was the hottest day of year, and the Hornets took it in stride delivering a conference win on Sophomore Day. Prior to the game, the FC softball coaching staff, led by head coach Crystal Aguirre, honored sophomore class of 2023. Those players were Chasity Martinez, Jocelyn Jauregui, Olivia Nunez, Alendy Aguilar, Alyssa Caulford, Ariana Gonzalez, Kassandra Escobedo, and Taylar Lannon.

The Hornets ripped off three runs in the first inning. Meah Almaraz popped one through the left side scoring Alyssa Garcia. Serina Vue reached first on a Tiger fielding error allowing Jordan Elias to go home. Olivia Nunez hiit a hard single to the left side scoring Almaraz.

The Pirates tied the game up scoring a run in the second and then added two more in the top of the third. Natalie Lowthers singled to shortstop and Melissa Hanson scored. Isabel McElroy then knocked a single up the middle plating Eva Marin and Emilie Lapena.

Fullerton broke up the stalemate quickly in the bottom of the third scoring two runs. Alyssa Caulford doubled to left center, scoring Serina Vue and Haley Perez. 

FC added three more in the bootom of the fourth taking an 8-3 advantage. Alyssa Caulford knocked in Meah Almaraz, Vue scored on a RCC error, and Caulford came across on a SAC Fly by Alendy Aguilar.

In the sixth, the Pirates scored two runs. Lowthers ripped a single to right field scored McElroy, and Lapena grounded out to second giving Lowthers the chance to cross home plate.

More Hornet damage was done in the sixth with Fullerton scoring two more insurance runs putting the game on ice. Caitlyn Stear took first base reaching on fielder's choice that scored Caulford. With the bases loaded, Elias worked the count for a walk that forced Stear home.

FC had 13 hits on the day, while Dallas Garcia locked down the win going 4.1 innings with no earned runs, no walks, and had 1 strikeout. Olivia Nunez got the start throwing 2.2 innings with 6 hits against, 3 earned runs, and 2 walks.

Up Next: The Hornets (25-12 overall, 15-4 OEC) will get a much-needed break after playing ten days in a row. They will play again on Monday, April 24th when they travel to Santiago Canyon College for an OEC game. Game time is at 3:00 pm.