The Benedictine Mesa softball team dominated La Sierra, securing victories in both games of their doubleheader—winning Game 1, 7-4, and Game 2, 8-4.
Game 1: Benedictine Mesa 7, La Sierra 4
La Sierra struck first in the opening inning with Marquez's RBI single, bringing in Cook for a 1-0 lead. Benedictine Mesa quickly responded as Annaleia Jenkins tripled to left field, driving in Leiana Madrazo to tie the game. The Redhawks took the lead when Gabrielle Perez stole second, advanced to third, and scored on an error by the third baseman, making it 2-1.
La Sierra regained the advantage in the second inning when Rodriguez launched a two-run homer, scoring Franco and putting the Golden Eagles ahead 3-2. However, Benedictine Mesa's offense exploded in the fourth inning. Jaelynn Corona delivered a clutch two-run double, scoring Savannah Howard and Araya Ogden, while Amaya Ruiz advanced to third. Moments later, Madrazo grounded out to first, but Ruiz crossed the plate, extending the Redhawks' lead to 5-3. The momentum continued as Chloe Wright smashed a two-run double to right field, driving in Corona and Brandee Ayala to give Benedictine Mesa a commanding 7-3 advantage.
La Sierra attempted a late rally in the seventh when Flores singled to right, scoring Gutierrez, but the Redhawks' defense held strong to seal the 7-4 victory.
Game 2: Benedictine Mesa 8, La Sierra 4
The Redhawks took control in the third inning, capitalizing on defensive miscues. Annaleia Jenkins reached on an error by the pitcher, allowing Jaelynn Corona to score. Moments later, Chloe Wright's fielder's choice brought in Brandee Ayala, and Perez followed with an RBI single to push the lead to 3-0. Howard capped off the inning by getting hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, forcing in another run to make it 4-0.
La Sierra fought back in the fourth when Franco singled to right, driving in Tanner. Their momentum continued into the fifth, with Rodriguez's infield single scoring Garcia, followed by Marquez's RBI groundout, cutting the deficit to 4-3. The Golden Eagles tied the game in the sixth when Cook reached on an error, allowing Franco to score.
Benedictine Mesa responded immediately. Madrazo crushed a two-run triple to center field, scoring Corona and Faith Hahn to reclaim the lead. Wright then delivered the knockout blow with a two-run homer, sealing the Redhawks' 8-4 win.
Key Players:
- Chloe Wright: 2 hits, 1 home run, 2 runs, 5 RBIs
- Leiana Madrazo: 3 hits, 3 triples, 2 runs, 3 RBIs, 1 stolen base
- Jaelynn Corona: 3 runs, 2 hits, 1 double, 1 stolen base, 2 RBIs
Looking Ahead:
The Redhawks return to action on Saturday, February 22, as they travel to Idaho to face Eastern Oregon.
