Weekend Roundup: Successful Debuts on Diamond, Struggles on Hardwood
by Cerwin D Haynes
(photos by Mario Villegas)
With six games on campus last Friday and Saturday, it was a busy weekend on campus. Baseball and softball made their respective season debuts at home, while men and women's basketball hosted a conference doubleheader with Mt. SAC. Here's a brief recap of all the action.
Softball - Friday Doubleheader
ELAC 3, Grossmont 1
Eager to put last season behind them, East LA College softball took the field today for their home opener - a doubleheader affair against the Griffins of Grossmont College - with a brand new roster (of all freshmen) and a brand new assistant coaching staff. The early returns on head coach Erika Blanco's efforts look promising.
In the first game, pitchers Alexis Romo and Sophia Priebe combined to hold Grossmont to one run on six hits. Priebe relieved Romo in the fourth inning and had five strikeouts in 3.2 innings of work, earning the save. 1B Alicia Amaya went 2-3, while 2B Rya Rivas went 1-2 with a big 2RBI single to right-center.
ELAC 5, Grossmont 4
Down 4-3 going into the botton of the seventh inning, the Huskies plated two runs to come from behind and walk off victorious. With runners on 1st and 2nd and no outs, DP Arianna Urias doubled to right center, scoring Sophia Arvizu to tie the game. The Pack almost lost the opportunity to go-ahead earlier as both Urias and Juliet Verdugo (pinch-running for Amaya) got thrown out advancing on Urias' double. But the home Green loaded the bases thanks to a single, walk and HBP. SS Jocelyn Solorzano was next up, and slapped a bouncer to SS. She beat the throw to first, driving in the game-winner.
Men's Basketball
Mt. SAC 79, Grossmont 64
After dropping the conference opener last Wednesday to Pasadena City that snapped East's 10-game win streak, East LA had prime opportunity for a major rebound against #10 state-ranked Mt. SAC. The Huskies took a one-point (38-37) lead into halftime, but couldn't hold on as the Mounties controlled the second half.
Women's Basketball
Mt. SAC 102, Grossmont 55
After having also lost Wednesday to PCC, the women found themselves in a bit of a similar situation as the men - having the opportunity for a statement win over a Mt. SAC squad that's 2nd-best in the state. Unfortunately, the Mounties showed why they're potential title contenders early and often: a 28-9 first quarter advantage for the visitors set the tone for the rest of the game.
Baseball
ELAC 6, Glendale 5 - Friday
Up 6-3 in the top of the ninth, East LA gave up two runs but held on for the season-opening win in front of a large home crowd. Sophomore righty starter Nathan Mertens pitched six scoreless innings with nine strikeouts while only giving up six hits. Freshman SS Matias Nolasco belted a huge three-run double in the bottom of the seventh to give the Huskies a 4-3 lead.
ELAC 12, West Hills Coalinga 2 - Saturday
Trailing 1-0 until the bottom of the sixth, the Pack offense came alive, scoring 12 runs over the last three innings. East had 16 hits in 37 at-bats, with Nolasco leading the way going 3-5 with 3RBI. Sophomore C Christian Navarro went 2-4 with 2RBI.
UP NEXT:
Men and women's basketball are on the road this week, traveling to Rio Hondo Wednesday and then LA Trade Tech Friday.
Softball hosts Antelope Valley today at 2:30pm, and then travel to Cypress tomorrow at 2pm (rescheduled from Wednesday 2/1).
Baseball is up at Moorpark today, and then will host Riverside Friday and Saturday at 5pm (Friday's game relocated from Riverside).