COMMUNITY COLLEGE ROUNDUP : Orange Coast Wins in 12th to Stop Fullerton’s Streak

It took 12 innings but Orange Coast became the first team to beat Fullerton in an Orange Empire Conference softball game this season, Wednesday at Orange Coast.

Kim Kallemeyn scored on a fielder’s choice on a ball hit by April Crosby with one out in the 12th to give the Pirates a 2-1 victory.

The victory moves Orange Coast (21-10-2, 8-2 in conference) within a game of Fullerton (19-11, 9-1).

Fullerton was coming off a 1-0 victory over Riverside Tuesday night. Alicia Robles had pitched a no-hitter for the Hornets in that game and held OCC hitless for the first 5 1/3 innings Wednesday.

Fullerton started the conference with a 4-1 victory over Cypress then won the next eight conference games by shutouts.

But Orange Coast broke the streak when Kelsi Armbruster singled home Nicole Shammas in the sixth.

Fullerton rallied to tie it in the seventh. Melissa Graham and Tricia Wedekind singled and moved up on a sacrifice by Kathy Donovan. Dee Dee Miranda bunted for a hit to load the bases and the tying run scored on a fielder’s choice.

Kallemeyn stated OCC’s winning rally with a single up the middle. Stefanie Ritchey then bunted for a hit and the runners moved up on an error.

Crosby slapped the ball off the end of the bat to Fullerton first baseman Miranda who threw late to home.

Kristen Varagne (5-3) got the victory in relief and Robles (14-7) took the loss.