Cats advance to second round

The Saddleback softball team advanced to the second round of the 3C2A Southern California Regional Tournament with a 3-1 victory over Antelope Valley College on Saturday at Bobcats Field.  It is the first time the program has advanced past the first round of the tournament since 2014. 

Saddleback took advantage of some spotty pitching by Antelope Valley on Saturday.  The Bobcats never recorded a hit on offense but used a number of walks in the opening innings to take a lead they would never relinquish.  Saddleback scored three times in the second inning, thanks to six walks from the Marauder pitching staff.  McKenzie Lombard, Tasneem Kerdiya, Alexa Pfutzenreuter, Sabrina Truesdell, Jenna Juarez and Malia Garcia all reached base as a results of walks in the inning.

Saddleback's big inning was enough for Pfutzenreuter, who spread around five hits over seven innings in improving to 12-8 for the season.  She struck out six Marauders on the way to winning her second game in as many days while throwing just 97 pitches. 

Saddleback is now 25-14 overall on the season after winning on Saturday.  The 25 wins is the most for the program since 2015 when the team won 27 games.

Saddleback will now travel to Cypress College for the second round of the playoffs.  Game one is scheduled for Friday.  A game time has yet to be determined.  

The winner of the series will advance to the 3C2A State Tournament May 15-18 at West Valley College.