Rustlers Cruise Past Hawks at Home

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. – The Golden West College softball team continued its strong play in Orange Empire Conference action with a 6-3 victory over Santiago Canyon College on Thursday afternoon at home.

With the win, the Rustlers improve to 17-13 overall and 8-6 in conference play.

Golden West jumped out early in the bottom of the first inning. Siena Rodriguez delivered a two-run triple to left center, driving in Isabella Gallegos and Angelique Perez to give the Rustlers a 2-0 lead. Santiago Canyon answered with single runs in the third and fifth innings to tie the game at 2-2.

The Rustlers responded in the bottom of the fifth inning, capitalizing on defensive miscues by the Hawks to take control of the game. Graycee Skousen reached on an error that allowed Audrey Reyes to score the go-ahead run. Moments later, Angelique Perez drove in Erica Madrid on a fielder's choice, and Callie Burnett followed with an RBI single to extend the lead to 5-2.

Golden West added an insurance run in the sixth inning when Perez singled to center field, bringing home Madrid to make it 6-2. Santiago Canyon scored once in the seventh, but the Rustlers held on for the 6-3 victory.

Sophomore Angelique Perez turned in another strong performance in the circle, tossing a complete game while allowing three runs (two earned) on eight hits. Perez struck out five and walked just one to earn the win and improve to 12-7 on the season. At the plate, Perez also contributed two hits and two RBIs.

The Rustlers look to complete their conference sweep of the Hawks at home Friday, April 10th with a 2pm start.