COMMUNITY COLLEGE ROUNDUP : Fast Start Enables Rancho Santiago to Top Grossmont

Rancho Santiago posted its fourth consecutive victory, a 12-3 victory over Grossmont, in the opening round of the Southwestern tournament Thursday in Santa Ana.

The Dons (4-0) scored five runs in the first inning and led, 9-0, after three innings.

David Gonzalez capped the first inning with a two-run double. Ryan Henderson added a sacrifice fly, Steve Thobe an RBI double and Jason Minici an RBI triple in the first for Rancho Santiago.

Brent Howes had three hits, including a double and a triple, for Rancho Santiago.

The game was supposed to be played at Grossmont but was switched because Grossmont’s field was too wet.

In another Southwestern tournament game:

Pima College (Ariz.) 8, Orange Coast 6--Aaron Weiss had two doubles and a triple for Orange Coast College (1-3) in a first-round loss at Southwestern.

In nonconference men’s tennis:

Saddleback 6, Santa Barbara 3--Max Alvarez won at No. 3 singles, 6-2, 6-2, for visiting Saddleback (1-0), which opened the season ranked No. 1 in the state.