As we turn the calendar to March, we also say goodbye to winter sports after the Mounties fell just short of a comeback in their second-round playoff game on Saturday, March 2. The focus now completely shifts to spring sports, where softball is not only riding a 12-game winning streak but also a 4-game shutout streak. The baseball team looks to bounce back from their rocky start to the season, and the defending state champion track and field team keeps rolling along. Continue reading below for everything that happened this week in Mountie sports.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
The Mounties suffered an upset loss on Saturday in the second round of the SoCal Regional Playoffs to Irvine Valley, 64-60. The Mounties would come close many times in the fourth quarter, but could not tie it or take the lead. Kiara Stiger was the team’s leading scorer with 16 points, Tiana Douglas led in rebounds with nine, and Aujanae Mayes was great on defense with five steals. It was a rough night shooting the ball, as the team only shot 31% from the field. It was a disappointing end to an otherwise great season for Mt. SAC.
BASEBALL
The baseball team snapped their four-game losing streak by winning two straight this week against El Camino, who had only lost one game so far this season. They had an impressive 3-2 win on Thursday. Alex Gonzalez had a pinch-hit walkoff RBI single in the ninth to become the hero. Steven Ordorica picked up his first win of the season in relief, retiring the only batter he faced. It was another close win on Friday, as they edged El Camino again 5-4. The third inning was the big one for the Mounties as they scored four runs, including a three-run homer by Michael Sandoval that ended up being the difference. Tyler Hazlett was another winner out of the bullpen as he went two innings, giving up two hits and a walk, while striking out two. Ordorica picked up his second save of the season, going the final 2.2 innings of the game, not allowing a single baserunner and striking out one. The Mounties move to 8-9 on the season and will host Compton on Tuesday.
SOFTBALL
The softball team continued to dominate this week with three more wins to push the winning streak to 12. Two of the games were over after five innings, including the 11-0 win at Rio Hondo on Tuesday. Ciara Granado and Jessika Trujillo each had two hits, two runs, and three RBI. Adriana Ramirez also had two hits with four RBI. Briana Wheeler got the win, going two no-hit innings with one walk and three strikeouts. It was a narrow 2-0 win over Pasadena City on Thursday. Trujillo and Gabby Estrada brought in the only two runs in the first. This would be all Wheeler needed as she moved to 6-0 on the season. She went the complete game, allowing only one hit and one walk and striking out eight. They had another blowout win on Friday against Compton, 19-0. Compton struggled big time on defense, committing an astonishing nine errors. Candace Haliburton, Vicky Gutierrez, Ashley Rivera, and Granado all had two RBI. Alexia Silvas moved to 4-0 on the season. She went three no-hit innings, allowed one walk, and struck out six. The Mounties will look to make it five straight shutouts on Tuesday at Chaffey.
MEN’S TRACK & FIELD
It was a rainy Beach Opener this weekend. The 3000 meter run was successful for the Mounties, as they had the top two finishers: Chris Weiland (8:22.97) and Salvador Capetillo (8:32.02). Calvin Oury and Ryan Lopez finished in a tie for fourth in the pole vault at 4.08 meters. The team will compete in the Occidental Distance Carnival at Occidental and the Ben Brown Invitational at Cal State Fullerton on Friday and Saturday.
WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD
The women also took part in the Beach Opener. Darla Gonzalez tied for first in the pole vault, clearing 3.68 meters. Senna Forkner got second place in the javelin throw at 38.74 meters. Terra Valadez finished third in the 100-meter hurdles at a time of 14.76 seconds. Amy Campos finished fourth in the pole vault at 3.38 meters. The team will also compete in the Occidental Distance Carnival and Ben Brown Invitational this weekend.
MEN’S GOLF
The team placed fifth in the Riverside Invitational on Monday at Victoria Golf Course. Hanseop Lee was tremendous with a score of 71. Felix Tsui and Blake Copeland each had 75. They finished in third place on Wednesday in their first conference match at Candlewood Country Course. Copeland finished tied for second overall with a 73. Tsui scored a 77 and Joshua Song got a 79. The team is tied for first with Orange Coast with a record of 8-2. The next match is on March 11 at the SoCal Regional Preview at Los Serranos Country Club.