COD (3-1) finally got back onto the field after 2 weeks of rainouts, hosting the Saddleback Gauchos of Mission Viejo (3-4) in a doubleheader and winning both games, 6-2 and 3-2. 

In game one, Desert would jump out to an early 1-0 lead on an error by the Gauchos third baseman, bringing home sophomore short stop and leadoff hitter, Briana Alcorn (Indio H.S.).

Saddleback would tie the game in the third inning and take a lead in the top half of the fifth, 2-1, but the Roadrunners would come storming back in the bottom of the fifth scoring four runs, to give the home side a 5-2 lead.

In the fifth, a two out walk by freshman second baseman Jacqueline Bolha (Yucca Valley H.S.) would load the bases and then it was a hit parade. Freshman catcher Natalie Avila (Rancho Mirage H.S.) got a hit to score freshman left fielder Aleyna Velasquez (Palm Desert H.S.) and then freshman right handed starting pitcher Lauren Robinson (La Quinta H.S.) was hit, scoring Alcorn.

Sophomore first baseman Mya Martinez (Indio Shadow Hills) singled to right field scoring Bolha and sophomore third baseman Areli Moreno (Indio H.S.) walked with the bases full to score Avila.

Alcorn would score in the bottom of the sixth on a single to left by Robinson to give Robinson and the Roadrunners the win, 6-2.

In game two, Desert would get onto the scoreboard in the bottom of the fourth when Robinson clobbered a home run over the left field fence, saying after the game, "To be honest, I really don't even remember where the pitch was, but once it left the bat I knew it was over (the fence)" and giving the Roadrunners a 1-0 lead.

Saddleback would claim the lead in the top of the fifth, when a single into center turned into a triple on a misplayed ball by the Roadrunners center fielder, scoring a Gauchos runner already on base and in a moment of frustration, the Saddleback runner stole home because Desert failed to pay attention to the Gauchos runner at third base. Giving Saddleback a 2-1 lead.

Desert would get those two runs back in the bottom of the fifth as Velasquez would score on an error by the Saddleback second baseman and then freshman pinch hitter Andrea Torres (Rancho Mirage H.S.) would score on a sacrifice fly ball to left field by Avila, giving the Roadrunners the lead for good.

Starting the second game in the circle was Alcorn who was pulled after two innings of work and moved back to short stop, commenting after the game, "I was very relieved because pitching is not my strong suit, (getting) back to my comfort zone (in the infield) was awesome." Then commented on the sweep, "I thought it was great, we persevered and got through it."

Robinson would come into game two from third base to try and seal the win, sharing later, "At first I was like, 'eh, yeah, bases loaded one out, I shouldn't be brought in,' but you know I just trusted my pitches and trusted my defense and got it done." Then commented on the sweep, "I thought it was amazing, you know, we had a lot of games that all got cancelled on us and being able to play and sweep was really a good experience for us as a team."

The next game for College of the Desert Softball will be on the road on February 20th at 2:30p, where they will travel for a non-Conference match against the Victor Valley Rams of Victorville. The next home game will be on February 22nd at 1p, where they will host their Pacific Coast Athletic Conference (PCAC) opener against the Southwestern Jaguars of Chula Vista.

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For additional information, please contact the COD Sports Information Office at 760.423.6641.

Information, Photo & Story provided by COD Sports Information.