Valley Glen, CA – The LA Mission College softball team opened conference play in commanding fashion, rolling past LA Valley College with a 13-1 victory in just five innings on Wednesday afternoon. A relentless offensive attack and a stellar pitching performance from Natalie Ascencio powered the Eagles to their sixth win of the season.
Early Offense Sets the Tone
LA Mission wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, plating a run in the first inning when Savannah Alvarez drove in Arianna Ramirez with a single up the middle. The Eagles then exploded for four runs in the second, highlighted by an RBI double from Janae Arcos and a bases-clearing double by Ava Arroyo that helped extend the lead to 5-0.
Seven-Run Third Inning Breaks the Game Open
The third inning saw LA Mission put the game out of reach with a seven-run outburst, taking full advantage of LA Valley's defensive miscues. Natalie Ascencio started the scoring with an RBI double, and Mari Briones followed with an RBI double of her own. Arcos continued her hot streak with another two-run double, and the Eagles capitalized on multiple defensive errors to push the lead to a commanding 12-0.
Strong Pitching Secures the Win
On the mound, Ascencio (5-7) delivered a dominant performance, allowing just three hits and one earned run over 4.2 innings while striking out four. LA Valley's lone run came in the fourth inning on an RBI groundout by Silvia Sayward, but Ascencio remained in control throughout, keeping the Monarchs off balance.
Final Touch in the Fifth
LA Mission tacked on an insurance run in the fifth inning when Briones singled to left field to bring in Ascencio, making it 13-1. The game was called after five innings due to the run-rule.
Key Performers
- Janae Arcos (LF): 2-for-2, 3 RBI, 2 doubles, 2 runs scored
- Ava Arroyo (2B): 1-for-2, 4 RBI, double
- Mari Briones (3B): 2-for-2, 2 RBI, double
- Natalie Ascencio (P): 1-for-2, RBI double, 4.2 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 4 K
- Arianna Ramirez (1B): 1-for-3, RBI, 2 runs scored
With the victory, LA Mission improves to 6-13 overall and 1-0 in conference play, while LA Valley drops to 10-12-1 (0-1). The Eagles will look to keep their momentum going as they continue their conference slate.
Final Score:
�� LA Mission – 13
�� LA Valley – 1 (5 innings)