Bobcats down Hawks in OEC play

The Saddleback softball team picked up a win with a 4-3 victory over Santiago Canyon College on Friday at the Saddleback diamond.  The Bobcats moved above .500 for the season with the win.

Saddleback was eager to pick up a win in Orange Empire Conference (OEC) play after starting conference play 0-3 heading into Friday's game against Santiago Canyon.  The Bobcats struck for three runs in the bottom half of the third inning and held on for the win in improving to 7-6 overall and 1-3 in the OEC.

Saddleback scored three times in the bottom half of the second inning to take a 3-1 lead and never had a hit in the inning.  The Bobcats took advantage of some battery issues for Santiago Canyon as the Hawks had two walks, a wild pitch and a passed ball in the inning. 

Saddleback increased the lead to 4-1 in the bottom half of the fourth inning when Alyssa Jimenez singled with two outs and was brought home on a double to deep center field from Cristen Areopagita. 

Santiago Canyon closed the gap to 4-3 in the top half of the sixth inning and had some momentum heading into the seventh inning needing a run to keep the game going.  Saddleback pitcher Desiree McGruder never flinched, retiring the Hawks in order to preserve the win.

Saddleback will play again on Monday when they host Southwestern College at 3:00 PM.