AND THE HITS JUST KEEP ON COMIN' FOR MARAUDER SOFTBALL

Photo by Bruce Jacobsen

LANCASTER - The Marauder softball team got back on the winning track as it pounded two more home runs in an 8-5 victory over visiting L.A. Mission College, Thursday afternoon at Antelope Valley College.

Maria Acosta hit her fourth home run in five games and Angelica Ochoa joined the hit party with a home run of her own.

Opposing pitchers have nightmares with the thought of facing AVC bats. Dolly Stevens or Toni Hutnick. Wait, Priscella Panizo or Erica Serfoss. Maybe Naelyse Garcia. Then there's Acosta and Ochoa. It really doesn't matter. Over the past six games, AVC (11-12, 4-3) has blasted a total 14 home runs.

"I think we've been playing really well," Acosta said. "(Against) Citrus we weren't hitting to our full potential. I think (those two losses) gave us motivation to do better and not to take any team lightly."

The Marauders jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning off Eagles' starter Nicole Perez, including a couple of doubles by Jennifer Littlejohn and Ochoa. The Marauders had four hits in the inning.

AVC collected two more runs in the bottom of the second inning to take a 4-1 lead. L.A. Mission responded with four runs in the top of third inning all coming with two outs, following a couple of walks, and error and a hit batter.

Walks have plagued AVC pitching the entire season. The Marauders rank near the bottom for combined walks this season. Only two other teams in the state have issued more walks than AVC.

"I think with the walks we have to work harder in practice and have more confidence," said Acosta, who started the game at pitcher.

Acosta and Garcia combined for nine more walks on the afternoon.

With the score tied 5-5 and one out, Littlejohn walked. Acosta then hit a home run to left field giving the Marauders a 7-5 lead. Ochoa promptly followed up with a solo shot to right field punctuating the inning.