The El Camino College Warriors defeated the San Diego Mesa Olympians in a shutout victory with ECC during the 3C2A Southern California Regional Playoffs on Thursday, May 2, at the ECC Softball Field.
With two triples by third baseman Emma Garcia and first baseman Savanna Kastigar, the Warriors pulled a way in the bottom of the third inning earning three runs and three hits, winning 3-0.
It was the first match between the Warriors and the Olympians during the 3C2A playoffs, and the two teams are set to meet again Saturday, May 3, to determine who will advance to the next bracket.
Warriors assistant coach Enrique Cruz focused on improving the team’s approach despite the victory.
“We need get some more runs earlier on in the game, we have to solidify that,” Cruz said.
The Warriors had a lot of contributors in game one of the playoffs. Infielder Garcia, catcher Anahi Pintado and center fielder Jackie Ordonez all made plays to secure the win.
“We knew what we had to do coming out, we watched film, we practiced specifically for this team we executed well,” Kastigar said. “We did everything we could and we came out on top because of it.”
In the first and second innings, both teams were at a stand still until the Warriors were able to pull ahead in the third inning.
Ordonez broke the hitting slump, hitting a single up the right field line. Once the Warriors got a hit, the team started to get momentum.
This was then followed up by Kastigar hitting a triple right to center field, giving Garcia the opportunity to make it to home and turn the score 2-0.
Warriors second baseman Lilly Lewis then hit a ground ball and Kastigar attempted a run to home, but doubled back to safety at first base before the ball could intercept her.
Lewis, however, was able to take advantage of the play and secure second base.
Pitcher Lexi Ramirez went to bat and hit a fly to left field allowing for Kastigar to make it home and score for the Warriors. Lewis simultaneously attempted a run to third, but after a throwing error from the Olympians, was intercepted before reaching safety.
Catcher and first baseman Faith Balestreri then went to bat hitting a double left of center. Shortstop and catcher Marissa Lieras hits a single left with the hope of getting a run to tie the game once again.
This was shut down by Ramirez with a groundout, getting the ninth strikeout of the game for the Warriors to secure the win.
“There’s always work when you take a loss. I think we had a good game plan coming in, so if we can stay with our game plan I think it will help,” Olympians coach Jaclyn Guidi said after the game.
Game 2 will be held at noon Saturday, May 3, at the ECC Softball Field against the Olympians.
“I love my team, I think they support each other. I think they stay positive with each other even when something doesn’t go our way,” Guidi said.
The Warriors lead 1-0 in the best of three series. If the Olympians win Game 2, they will play again at 2 p.m. in Game 3.
“We’re gonna keep our bats hot, keep our energy high, I don’t think they can beat us when we’re at our best,” Kastigar said.
The winner of this series will face either Long Beach City College (37-4) or Bakersfield City College (21-20). Long Beach currently leads the series (1-0).
Editor’s note: Player positions and misspelled name were corrected Saturday, May 3.
