JOHNSON TIES RECORD, MARAUDERS WIN CONFERENCE, 21 CONSECUTIVE WINS

Photo by Bruce Jacobsen

SYLMAR - Things are simply going well for the Marauder softball team.

Paige Johnson tied the single season record for most home runs in a season and AVC won its 21st game in a row with a convincing 8-1 victory over L.A. Mission College, Thursday afternoon at Mission College.

AVC also clinched at least a share for the conference title. One more victory and the Marauders will win the title outright.

Johnson (3-for-4), in fact, hit two home runs to tie the single season mark held by Adriana Perez who currently plays for the Mexican National Team, with 17. Johnson already holds the Marauder record for most RBI in a season (79) with four games remaining and a big playoff push as well.

Theoretically it's not out of the realm of possibility that Johnson could break 100-RBI barrier this season. The thing that could hurt Johnson is two missed games against Barstow College that won't be played because the Vikings folded their program. During the Marauders 21-game win streak, they have outscored their opponents 213-47.

Dolly Stevens also blasted a solo home run giving her 13 on the season, ranking her fourth in the state. She also ranks seventh with 46 RBI on the season. Tawnee Hegree and Valerie Dorantes each had multiple for the Marauders.

"Our bats are on fire and we're playing so well right now," said Stevens. "We hope this energy keeps going into the playoffs. We're just continuing to get better."

Morgan Arndt picked her 19th victory of the season for AVC and lowered her ERA below two. She pitched seven innings, allowing only four hits and no earned runs. She also struck out four.