La Verne, CA – The Occidental softball team continued their series against the University of La Verne in Leopard territory last Saturday.  In a tightly contested rematch, both teams battled fiercely from the opening pitch, determined to gain the upper hand.

In the first inning, Evelyn Lorch got things started for Oxy with her double to right field, bringing in Alysha Wagner.  La Verne was quick to respond, securing five runs of their own in the bottom of the same inning.  After trading blows in the first inning, both teams remained scoreless in the second.

Unfortunately for the Leopards, the Tigers were primed for a fight, mounting a relentless offensive onslaught while shutting down the Leopards' scoring opportunities for the remainder of the game.  As the innings unfolded, the Tigers demonstrated their offensive prowess, chipping away at La Verne's lead with hits, baserunning, and solid defense.

In the third inning, Philycia Pedrosa ignited the Tigers' rally with a sharp single to center field, advancing to second on an error that allowed Sophia Sui to cross home plate, narrowing the gap.  Building on this momentum, Oxy continued to apply pressure in the fourth inning, as Wagner delivered a clutch single to right-center, advancing Sydney Crespo to third base and scoring Ava Quezada.  Lorch brought the game down to one run with her well-placed groundout to third base, driving in Crespo and further fueling the team's enthusiasm to take charge of the game.  To close out the fourth inning, Sophia Sui singled to right field, scoring Wagner, and bringing the game to a tie.

With the game tied at five all heading into an extra inning, the Tigers summoned their resolve to seize control of the contest.  In the eighth inning, Lorch delivered a decisive blow with a powerful double to right field, brining in Crespo and propelling the Tigers into the lead.  Buoyed by their offensive outburst, the Tigers' defense held firm, keeping the Leopards scoreless in the bottom of the inning to secure a hard-fought, come-from-behind 6-5 victory!

Zada Day-Adams epitomized excellence on the mound, delivering a stellar pitching performance with 7.1 innings pitched, three strikeouts, and an impeccable display of control, denying the Leopards any opportunity to score.

The Occidental softball team will travel to Orange, CA, to start their series against Chapman University.  Weather permitting, the first pitch will be thrown at 3 p.m.