Fuentes Haunts Former College in Softball Win

Two years ago, Raeleen Fuentes played on a South Coast Conference softball champion team at East Los Angeles College. Fuentes transferred to Pasadena City College and the experienced redshirt sophomore has provided some leadership for the Lancers in 2016.

On Thursday, Fuentes put her current college on her back as she led the Lancers to a 5-1 victory over the host Huskies. Starting at third base, Fuentes powered a 2-run home run over the left field fence to give PCC a 2-1 lead in the fourth inning. She then scattered six hits over three innings of scoreless relief to shut down ELAC and earn the save for starter and winning pitcher Alyssa Madrid (5-4).

The Lancers upped their record to 11-8 overall and remained tied for third place with El Camino on 5-3 conference marks. ELAC dropped to 6-13 and 2-6.

Sophomore catcher Holly Riker-Sloan went 2-for-4 including a line RBI single to right in the fifth and letterman first baseman Karen Najera added a RBI double for more insurance in the sixth. Second-year players Derek Blow, the rightfielder, and second baseman Anais Sustayta each added two hits.

“Raeleen and Anais really came through with big at bats today, and they are giving our offense a needed boost” said PCC head coach Monica Tantlnger. “Our pitchers both battled and we stranded 10 ELAC runners on base. Raeleen made some big pitches late in the game.”

PCC rebounded from a tough 8-0, 5-inning loss to SCC co-leader Cerritos in a game played at Robinson Park.

The Lancers will play a non-conference doubleheader on Saturday, Mar. 12 at Victor Valley College. The games are at 12 noon and 2 p.m.