Owls Win, Remain Undefeated in Conference

The Citrus College softball team secured a solid 5-1 win over Bakersfield College today at home, improving their overall record to 10-12 and maintaining a perfect 4-0 mark in Western State Conference South play — keeping them at the top of the standings. Bakersfield College goes to 11-10 overall and 3-1 in conference on the season. 

The Owls wasted no time getting on the board, jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Jaelynn Eaves got things rolling with an RBI single, and Madelyn Hajj followed up with a two RBI double that brought home both Eaves and Alivia Martinez. 

Bakersfield College scored their lone run of the game in the top of the fifth, but Citrus responded quickly. In the bottom of the fifth, Breanna Aguilar drew a bases-loaded walk to score Sofia Femath. The Owls added another insurance run in the sixth when Tatyanna Campos scored on a Bakersfield error, giving the Owls a 5-1 lead. 

The highlight of the game came in the top of the seventh. With a Bakersfield runner on first, Alivia Martinez made a spectacular diving catch in right field, then fired to first base to double off the runner and seal the win. 

Madelyn Hajj led the offense, going 1-for-4 with two RBIs, while Eaves contributed a 2-for-4 effort with one RBI and one run scored. Femath reached base three times, going 1-for-2 with two walks and two runs scored. Martinez also had a strong outing, going 1-for-3 with two stolen bases, one run scored, and one walk. 

Caitlin Kelley (W, 7-8) delivered a strong performance in the circle, pitching a complete game and allowing just one run while striking out three. 

Citrus College will look to keep their conference winning streak alive when they travel to LA Mission College for their fifth conference game of the season, this Thursday, March 20.