Wissmath Wins 350th as Cougars Sweep Doubleheader at Cuesta
Story and Photo by Mari Kneisel/COC Sports Information
SAN LUIS OBISPO — College of the Canyons traveled to Cuesta College collecting both wins of a doubleheader and bringing Head Coach John Wissmath to his 350th victory with the Cougars.
Canyons (11-5-1) pushed across a total of 22 runs on the day, closing out the first game at 7-2 and the second at 15-6.
The Cougars steadily increased their runs each inning, only giving up runs near the end of each game with both games already well in hand and leaving Cuesta (8-14) unable to catch up.
COC freshman Allyson Melgar captured the first win of the day and closed out the second game, relieving Samantha Flores. Melgar struck out 10 batters and went 5-for-8 on the day, tacking on four runs. Flores earned the win for the second game.
Last week's COC Athlete of the Week, Brianne Tall claimed a part of seven of the day's runs. Tall went 4-for-4 in the first game and totaled three RBIs and four runs on the day. She leads the team with 18 RBIs this season.
Game 1 (7-2 Canyons Victory)
Canyons had a strong first five innings, keeping Cuesta at bay with a 6-0 score.
Melgar served up nine strike outs making it difficult for Cuesta to cultivate any opportunities.
However, in the bottom of the sixth, a COC infield error allowed Cuesta to put up two runs.
Tall, having already gone 3-for-4, got her fourth hit in the top of seventh allowing Ashlynn Heck to cross home plate and further ensure the 7-2 Cougar victory.
Top Performers
- Brianne Tall — 4-for-4, R, 3 RBI
- Ashlynn Heck — 2-for-4, 3B, 3 R 2 SB
- Allyson Melgar — W, 7 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 9 Ks / 2-for-4, R
- Julia Fuentes — 1-for-4, R, RBI
- Lisa Motz — 2-for-4, R, SB
Game 2 (15-6 Canyons Victory)
The Cougars didn't let up in the second game of the doubleheader as the runs kept coming at a steady pace.
COC freshman Lisa Motz brought in four RBIs and Valery Ramirez followed closely by knocking in three. Melgar and Brianne Tall each had three runs and Sofia Trujillo tacked on two more. Ashlynn Heck brought Motz home and later scored a run herself.
Flores opened the game for the Cougars and ultimately earned the win, keeping Cuesta quiet for the first three innings. Melgar relieved Flores in the bottom of the fourth and closed out the game, but not before the Cougars tacked on a few more runs to seal the deal bringing about a final score of 15-6.
Top Performers
- Lisa Motz — 3-for-5, 2B, SB, R, 4 RBI
- Valery Ramirez — 1-for-3, BB, R, 3 RBI
- Allyson Melgar — 3-for-4, 2B, 3 R / 1.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1K
- Sofia Trujillo — 2-for-4, 2B, SB, 2 R, RBI,
- Ashlynn Heck — 2-for-5, 3B, R, RBI
- Brianne Tall — 1-for-4, 3 R
Upcoming Schedule
The Cougars will travel to take on Bakersfield College in their second conference game on Tuesday March 15 at 2:30 p.m. Canyons returns home on Thursday, March 17, for another conference game, this time hosting L.A. mission College at 2:30 p.m.
Stay up to date on all this season's action by following the College of the Canyons Athletic department on social media at @COCathletics on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.