COSTA MESA – The Vanguard softball team finished up regular season play in the Golden State Athletic Conference with a split at home against Hope International on Tuesday afternoon. The Lions dropped game one 6-3 but rebounded with a 5-1 win in game two.
Vanguard's record is now 37-13 overall and 16-8 in the GSAC. Hope International is 36-19 overall and 13-11 in conference action.
What Happened? Game 1: A five-run sixth lifted the Royals to the 6-3 victory as VU freshman sensation Brianna Williams (FR/Chandler, AZ) gave up a career-high six runs in the circle.
Five of the 10 hits Williams surrendered went for doubles. Hope International broke through in the top of the second with back-to-back two-baggers from Makenna O'Toole and Kassie Puente.
HIU pitcher Allie Puente limited the VU offense to a pair of walks and a single through the first four innings.
However, the Lions knotted the score in the fifth as Kaylie Williams (FR/Moreno Valley, CA) led off with her second triple of the season, an opposite field shot to right. Karly Colenzo (SR/Downey, CA) brought home pinch runner Makenzie Miller (SR/Chino Hills, CA) with a sac fly to left.
The Royals responded in the top half of the sixth. With one out, Skyler Mao doubled to right center. Emily Puente singled to put runners at the corners and O'Toole walked to load the bases. Kassie Puente stepped up and knocked all three runners in with a double to deep left center field.
With a 4-1 lead, HIU had runners at second and third when Allie Puente doubled, scoring both Grace Craig and Kassie Puente for the five-run advantage.
The Lions began the sixth with a double from Noni Chaves (SO/Ontario, CA), who came around on a single from Lailoni Mayfield (SR/Cerritos, CA).
VU threatened again in the seventh. Colenzo reached base on an error from the HIU second baseman. With one out, Emma Noble (FR/Camarillo, CA) doubled to send pinch runner Sophia Kashou (FR/Anaheim, CA) to third. Pinch hitter Marissa Gurrola (FR/Downey, CA) then beat out an infield single, which scored Kashou for the unearned run.
Amarah Farley (FR/Hemet, CA) ended the game on batter's interference, as the ball hit her foot running down the first base line.
Puente improved to 19-7 on the year, while Williams fell to 23-6. Williams still ranks No. 3 in the NAIA with her 23 victories. She allowed 10 hits, walked two and struck out three.
Game 2: The Lions brushed off the defeat and thwarted the Royals in game two. Anniyah Farley (JR/Hemet, CA) gave up just one run in a complete game effort, while Chaves and Bianca Morales (SO/Spring Valley, CA) provided the punch at the plate.
Vanguard struck first with a run in the second on Gurrola's RBI single, scoring Morales who had led off with a base knock.
VU increased the lead to 2-0 in the third as Morales doubled home Chaves.
HIU halved the deficit in the fifth. The Royals got runners on the corners with one out. Marissa Hernandez grounded sharply to the shortstop Noble, who threw home in an attempt to nab pinch runner Ariana Ramirez. However, her throw went a bit wide as the run scored and the Royals found themselves with runners at first and second on the fielder's choice.
Farley avoided any further damage though as she struck out Caitlyn Felina and forced Makenna Stuart to ground out to the pitcher.
The Lions got the run right back in the bottom half as Morales collected her second double with one out. Colenzo followed with a shot under the glove of the HIU third baseman, allowing Morales to score for the second time in the game as VU led 3-1.
In the sixth, VU added a pair of insurance runs as Mayfield's triple – her third of the year – scored pinch runner Kashou from first. Chaves then laid down a perfect squeeze bunt to score the speedy Chaves from third.
Farley was in control the entire game, allowing just five hits and walking two while tying her career-best with seven strikeouts. All five Royals hits were singles. Farley prevented any runners from reaching scoring position until the fifth, and managed to escape a first and second situation in the seventh by striking out pinch hitter Marlee Moala and Stuart to end the game.
Morales finished 3-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI. Chaves went 2-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI.
Why Is It Important?: The Lions won 13 of their last 17 games to finish the regular season with 37 wins and head into the upcoming GSAC Tournament with a bit of momentum.
What Was Said?: "First off Anniyah threw an absolute gem," said Head Coach Amber Freeman. "She's been phenomenal for us in the circle. I am very proud of the way the girls rallied and were able to bounce back after a tough loss in game one. I think the team is in a great spot heading into the GSAC Tournament next week! Excited to see what they do!"
What's Next?: The Lions will be the No. 2 seed in the GSAC Tournament, which begins Tuesday, May 3 at the OC Great Park.
