Sizzling PCC Softball Extends Win Streak to 8

Trailing 6-2 after four innings, the Pasadena City College softball team exploded for eight runs in the top of the fifth on its way to a 10-7 victory at Citrus College. Off to their best start since 1990, the Lancers are a perfect 8-0 this season under second-year head coach Monica Tantlinger.

With one out in the fifth, shortstop Anais Sustayta slugged a home run to left to begin the rally. Winning pitcher Adriana Fernandez hit a RBI single and later centerfielder Brianna Lopez hit a 2-run single to center. Third baseman Jackie Aguilar and catcher Holly Riker-Sloan each drew bases-loaded walks to add to the Lancers’ scoring.

PCC would hang on to the lead thanks to two innings of shutout relief by Breanna Rodrigo, who earned the save for Fernandez, who pitched two innings of relief as well. In the sixth, PCC rightfielder Derek Blow robbed a home run by Citrus catcher Jessica Brown with a catch at the fence.

Riker-Sloan reached base four times on two hits, two walks, including a lead-off homer in the fourth. Second baseman Justine Zavala was 2-for-5 with two stolen bases and first baseman Katelyn Thordarson was 2-for-4. PCC finished with 12 hits.

For Citrus (0-1), Bobbi Stalnaker batted 3-for-3.

The Lancers have slugged 12 home runs in only eight games and have already broken the school team record for round-trippers in a season (11 in 2006).

PCC next plays at Southwestern College on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 12 noon.