Ostrander Delivers Clutch Hit, Hancock Softball splits Doubleheader with Mt. San Jacinto

Larrissa Ostrander had three hits, including the go-ahead two-run single in a three-run second to help the Allan Hancock College softball team split a doubleheader on Saturday with visiting Mt. San Jacinto.

The Bulldogs won the opener 3-1 before dropping the second game 2-1. Hancock finished the weekend 3-2 overall, while Mt. San Jacinto left town 4-1 overall.

After the visitors scored an unearned run in the top of the first inning, Hancock rallied in the second. Ashley Ruiz singled and stole second base. Myranda Morales was hit by a pitch and Christabel Chavez drew a walk to continue the rally. Ruiz scored on a balk called on the Mt. San Jacinto pitcher to tie it 1-1. Ostrander followed with a two-out single to score Morales and Chavez to give Hancock a 3-1 lead. Ostrander went three for four with two stolen bases. Ruiz, first baseman Emily Gantt and Trista Berryman had one hit apiece. Second baseman Maggie Dasis drew three walks and stole two bases for Hancock.

Shannon Peterson earned the win with a complete game. The freshman allowed three hits and one unearned run. She walked two and struck out two. Hancock outhit the Eagles six to three.

The Eagles took the second game 2-1. Mt. San Jacinto scored both runs in the second inning against Peterson. The Bulldogs rallied in the sixth as Dasis drew a leadoff walk and stole second base. With one out, Gantt delivered a RBI-double to plate Dasis and cut the deficit to 2-1. The Bulldogs put the tying runner at second again in the seventh, but could not deliver the clutch hit to tie it.

Gantt had one hit and one RBI. Ruiz went two for two with one double. Chavez added a single for Hancock.

Peterson struck out six and allowed just six hits and two runs, but was handed the loss to drop to 3-1 on the season.

The Bulldogs will travel to Mt. San Jacinto to play four games over two days. They will play College of the Desert at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 12 before taking on the Eagles at 2 p.m. The Bulldogs will play Napa and Grossmont at 10 a.m. and noon on Saturday.