Coalinga College Softball had a mixed day on Thursday, earning a dominant 12-2 victory in the first game against Allan Hancock College before falling just short in a 10-9 comeback attempt in the second game, which was called in the bottom of the sixth due to daylight.

Game 1: Sanchez Leads Coalinga to Convincing Win

Behind a stellar performance from Jenessa Sanchez, Falcon Softball cruised to a 12-2 win. Sanchez was dominant in the circle, striking out 10 while allowing five hits and two runs over seven innings.

The offense backed her up with a strong performance, piling up 13 hits. Coalinga jumped out to an early lead in the first inning when Susana Gonzalez singled home a run, followed by a two-run homer to center field by Bryton Loflin. A Lupita Romero RBI single in the third extended the lead to 4-2.

The game broke open in the seventh inning as Coalinga exploded for seven runs. Ava Carlton doubled to bring in two, Ayana Lopez followed with a two-run single, and bases-loaded walks and a hit-by-pitch added to the tally. Lopez led the team with three hits, while Loflin, Lopez, and Carlton each drove in two runs. The team showed great patience at the plate, drawing 11 walks.

Game 2: Coalinga Falls Just Short in Comeback Effort

In the second game, Falcon Softball nearly erased a six-run deficit but fell 10-9 in a contest that ended early due to fading daylight.

Allan Hancock jumped out to an early lead with three first-inning singles. Coalinga responded in the third when Alex McDanell launched a two-run homer to left, and Esme Zuniga Romero added a sacrifice fly to make it 7-4.

The team's biggest offensive push came in the sixth inning, scoring five runs to close the gap. McDanell worked a bases-loaded walk for one run, Lopez delivered a three-run double, and Loflin tripled in another. Despite the rally, time ran out before Coalinga could complete the comeback.

McDanell led the offense with two hits and three RBIs, while Lopez also drove in three runs. Coalinga once again showed great discipline at the plate, drawing nine walks.

On the mound, Sanchez provided 3.1 innings of solid relief, striking out four while allowing three runs (two earned). Alexis Espinoza took the loss, giving up seven runs (six earned) over 1.2 innings.

Next Up

Coalinga College Softball will look to bounce back as they host the Coso Coyotes on Friday.