Community College Softball : Santa Ana Wins Three Games to Take the Lead

Luckily for Santa Ana College, its softball team has two quality pitchers. That fact helped the Dons take the first-day lead in the Southern California Regional Tournament Saturday at Golden West College.

The second-place South Coast Conference champions won three games Saturday, defeating Pasadena, 4-3; San Diego, 3-0; and Fullerton, the SCC’s champion, 2-0, behind the pitching of Chris Makimoto and Alani Silva.

Santa Ana Coach Jim Reach was able to alternate his pitchers in the double-elimination tournament. In doing so, the Dons were able to pitch Silva, the SCC’s MVP for the second consecutive year, against the first-place Hornets. Fullerton and Santa Ana split their two regular season games.

“It was two great teams playing,” Reach said. “We got the hit at the right time.”

The right time for the Dons was in the bottom of the third inning when Kelly Winn stroked a double, knocking in Lesa Godfrey and Sam Arledge for the game’s only runs. Godfrey had reached base on a walk and Arledge advanced her to second on a bunt single. Fullerton Coach Margo Davis instructed her pitcher, Stephanie Fresquez, to walk the next batter, Nelinda Barrera. With the bases loaded, Christine Makimoto hit a pop fly to second before Winn came up to bat.

Fresquez showed signs of fatigue late in the game, and even though Fullerton threatened to score in the fourth and fifth, the Dons could never add to their lead.

The two teams may meet again today at 2 p.m. Moorpark will face Fullerton at noon, and the winner will play Santa Ana. If the Dons lose the first game, another game will follow to determine the tournament winner.

Moorpark advanced by beating Palomar, 4-0; Pasadena, 3-2; and San Diego Mesa, 6-2. Moorpark lost to Fullerton, 0-3.

The winner of today’s game and the runner-up will continue their season in the state tournament, which will be held next Saturday and Sunday at Golden West College.

Reach knows he still has good teams to meet.

“It’s not over yet,” Reach said, “but I like our position.”