Cats edge Hawks to stay alive

The Saddleback softball team defeated Santiago Canyon, 3-1, on Tuesday in Orange.  The Bobcats are hoping a late push in the final week can qualify them for the playoffs.

Saddleback has little room for error with just 1+ games remaining on the schedule.  The Bobcats picked up a key win on Tuesday when they held on for a 3-1 victory against the Hawks.

Saddleback scored twice in the opening inning.  Mia Calderon opened the scoring with a single to score McKenzie Lombard.  The Bobcats then put in Skye Manda to pinch run and she eventually came around to score on a routine groundout from Malia Garcia with one out in the inning.  Little did Saddleback know at the time, but the two runs would be enough to secure the win.

Saddleback started Averi Moon on the mound and Moon pitched a complete game in improving to 3-2 on the season.  She spread around nine hits and had great control, allowing zero walks for the day.

Saddleback led 2-1 heading into the seventh inning and added an insurance run for a two-run advantage.  Once again it was Calderon, who singled home Lombard for a second time in adding to the lead.

Calderon (pictured) finished 3-for-3 with a walk and two RBI on the day.  Lombard was 2-for-3 with a walk and two runs-scored.

Saddleback moved into fifth place in Orange Empire Conference play with the win.  The Bobcats are currently ranked No. 19 in the Southern California Ratings Percentage Index (RPI), with 18 teams qualifying for the 3C2A Southern California Regional Tournament. 

Saddleback will complete a game against Orange Coast College on Wednesday that was suspended due to lightning on March 15.  The Bobcats were trailing OCC (3-2) in the sixth inning, but were threatening with the potential tying run on base.  The game will resume at 2:00 PM at Esencia Park.

Saddleback will then complete the regular season against Santiago Canyon on Thursday at Esencia Park at 3:00 PM.