Cats win playoff opener

The Saddleback softball team opened the playoffs with a 1-0 win against Antelope Valley College on Friday at Bobcats Field.  It was the first win in the playoffs for the program since 2015.

Saddleback and Antelope Valley made quick work of the game on Friday as the final out was recorded just 75 minutes after the opening pitch.  The lone run of the game came in the bottom half of the fifth inning when McKenzie Lombard singled to the left side of the infield on a ball that glanced off the third baseman's glove, allowing Alexa Pfutzenreuter to score from third base.  It gave a great relief for the Bobcat faithful in the crowd as Saddleback threatened to score in three other innings but came up empty on all three occasions.

Pfutzenreuter stole the show, shutting down the Marauders in pitching a gem.  The sophomore from Dana Hills High School stifled an Antelope Valley offense that came into the game batting .356 as a team.  Pfutzenreuter allowed just one hit while striking out five in improving to 11-8 on the season. 

Lombard led the team with two hits in three at-bats, including the lone RBI of the game. 

Saddleback improved to 24-14 overall with the win.  The Bobcats are one game from advancing to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2014 when the program made it to the regional finals.

Saddleback and Antelope Valley resume the series on Saturday at 12:00 PM.  If a game three is necessary, it would start 20 minutes after the completion of game two.