Perez Goes the Distance as the Rustlers Down the Chargers

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. – The Golden West College softball team earned a key Orange Empire Conference victory on Friday afternoon, defeating Cypress College, 5-2, at home.

With the win, the Rustlers improve to 14-11 overall and 5-4 in conference play, pulling even with the Chargers in the OEC standings.

Golden West struck first in the bottom of the first inning. After reaching on a bunt single, Isabella Santiago advanced into scoring position and later scored on a Cypress throwing error to give the Rustlers a 1-0 lead.

The Rustlers extended their advantage in the second inning as Erica Madrid delivered an RBI single to center field, scoring Callie Burnett to make it 2-0.

Cypress responded with a run in the third inning and tied the game in the fifth, as Isabella Rodriguez accounted for both RBIs to even the score at 2-2.

Golden West regained the lead in the bottom of the fifth inning when Ilysa Hoepelman scored on a wild pitch, putting the Rustlers ahead 3-2.

The Rustlers added insurance in the sixth inning. Madrid recorded her third hit of the game with an RBI single to extend the lead to 4-2. Isabella Gallegos followed with an RBI single of her own, scoring Madrid and pushing the lead to 5-2.

Sophomore Angelique Perez (9-5) led the way in the circle, tossing a complete game to earn the victory. Perez allowed four hits and two earned runs over seven innings while striking out six.

Offensively, Madrid paced the Rustlers, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs, two runs scored, and a stolen base. Gallegos added an RBI, while Burnett and Hoepelman each scored a run and contributed on the basepaths.

Golden West finished with 10 hits and did not commit an error defensively.

The Rustlers return to action next week as they continue Orange Empire Conference play.