Gauchos softball defeats Fullerton Hornets at home

The Saddleback College Gauchos softball team defeated conference opponent Fullerton Hornets, 3-1 at home on Trani Field last Wednesday, April 13.

The Hornets scored the first run of the game in the top of the fourth inning before the Gauchos fought back in the bottom of the sixth inning, scoring three runs.

The deciding moment of the game happened when Brittney Chacon hit a two-run home run. This was Chacon’s first home run of the season.

“When I hit it I didn’t know if it was going to go over and once it went over I didn’t think it was real,” Chacon said. “Rounding third and seeing everyone cheering for me I knew it felt real.“

While rounding the bases, the rest of the Gauchos ran from the dugout to home plate to congratulate Chacon.

Following Chacon’s homer Samantha Molina hit a double and made it home after Madison Newby hit a single. This resulted in a 3-1 lead.

Neither team accomplished any runs during the first 3 innings.

Amanda Padilla at Trani field playing against the Fullerton Hornets on Wednesday, April 13. (Kurtis Rattay/ Lariat)

“We were having some trouble in the beginning defensively but we moved some people around and adjusted really quickly,” said Madison Newby. “Fullerton is definitely a big competitor. We lost to them once and beat them once so it was really good to beat them at our home field.”

According to assistant coach Greg Esteban, Gauchos made several errors in the beginning of the game and Fullerton capitalized on those mistakes.

“It was a very important game for us,” Esteban said. “They are a very good team. Fullerton is a very strong conference opponent and we had to win this game. It was one of those games that was really going to set an example on if we are going to make regionals or not.”

Saddleback’s softball team has long and competitive history with the Fullerton.

“[Fullerton] is one of those teams that if it comes down to it both teams are going to play very well, very tight and very competitive,” Esteban said. “We have been very much on top of them but every single year they’re coming out stronger, faster and better. They are one of our top competitors.”

Nelsa Delagente pitched the whole game, sending many Hornets back to the dugout.

Since Wednesday’s game, the team won their third game in a row at Orange Coast College with a 10-8 final score. The Gauchos softball team’s next game will be at Riverside on Tuesday, April 19.

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