MSJC Softball; Eagles Make Late Push for Play-off Spot

The MSJC softball team won three games last week to remain in the hunt for a post-season berth.

The Eagles started the week with a big win on Wednesday as they traveled to Victor Valley and won 23-0.  Amanda Gromko threw a five inning shut out as she allowed just four hits and struck out 8.  On offense eight different Eagles drove in runs as Veronica Prado, Amy Naranjo, and Azaylea Carrasco each drove in four a piece.  Prado also had a team high 5 hits as every MSJC player in the line-up had at least one.  In all the Eagles pounded out 25 hits in the victory.

Friday MSJC celebrated Sophomore Day and came away with two more 5 inning victories as they defeated visiting Cerro Coso 17-0 and 11-2.  In the first game of the doubleheader Gromko was once again strong in the circle as she threw another shut out, this time allowing just one hit and again striking out 8.  Hailey Matthews, Chelsi Washburn, and Carrasco all drove in three runs each for MSJC, while Prado continued her hot hitting with a team high 3 hits.  Prado also scored four times in the win.

In the second game of the day Naranjo and Jasmine Barerras each drove in three runs and Washburn added 2 more RBIs as the Eagles won 11-2.  Matthews had a game high 3 hits.  Ana Gastelum earned the pitching victory as she pitched all five innings striking out five and allowing just two runs.

The Eagles are now 17-14 overall on the season and 10-4 in the Inland Empire Athletic Conference standings.  They play their final game of the regular season on Monday at San Bernardino Valley.  SBVC comes into the game with a 9-3 conference record.  The two teams are battling it out for second place in the IEAC, SBVC has two games remaining after Monday.  The second place team will earn a berth into the CCCAA Regional Tournament.