LOS ANGELES, Calif. (April 16, 2010) – Determined to snap their current conference play losing streak, the Tigers came out tough against Pomona-Pitzer College today and were able to come up with a much needed Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference win. The Tigers shut out the Sagehens in game one 2-0, but were unable to hold on to game two, which they lost 4-1.
In the opener, the game was scoreless through three, but that all changed in the bottom of the fourth when the Tigers got into a rhythm; after back-to-back singles by Alyssa Smith and Kristin Sullivan put runners on first and second. Next to the plate, Olympia Powell grounded out to second base, but not before advancing both runners. With no outs and runners in prime position, Tasha Serna-Gallegos singled out to right field, sending Smith into score and Sullivan to third. Keeping with the rhythm, Nicole Hannasch singled, sending Sullivan across home plate, giving Oxy the lead 2-0.
Oxy didn't put up anymore runs the rest of the game, but they didn't have to; dynamite defense by the Black and Orange kept Pomona's bats quiet, handing them the win, 2-0.
Hannasch and Serna-Gallegos each collected an RBI, while Smith and Sullivan led the Tigers with one run and two hits a piece.
In game two of the double header, the Sagehens were able to turn things around; putting up a run in the top of the first to take the lead early on. The bats for both teams went quiet until the top of the sixth when the Sagehens hit a hot streak, sending three around the diamond and increasing their lead by four.
With the game on the line, the Tigers gave it all they had in the seventh. Alyssa Escalante doubled to left field, giving Oxy hope. Next at the plate, Gabriela Chavez grounded out to the short stop, but not before Tania Camacho-Pineda (who was pinch running for Escalante) rounded the bases on an error by the first baseman and escaped a rundown to score. The rally ended there, however, and Oxy conceded the win 4-1.
Shanna Yackel knotted the win in game one, while Brittany Vacura took the loss in game two for the Tigers.
Up next, the Tigers (7-19 overall and 4-14 in SCIAC play) will take to the diamond for the second consecutive day, on Sat. April 17, as they host a pair of conference games against the University of Redlands beginning at noon on Bell Field.
Article by: Savannah Russell, Sports Information Intern
