Power Surge
After a 12-2 victory over Riverside College, the Saddleback College softball team seems to be chasing more than a playoff berth.
The Gauchos racked up another five home runs against the Tigers and boosted their Orange Empire Conference record to 11-4, and 25-7 overall.
“This year our team has bonded a lot more,” sophomore shortstop Kelly Bosshart said. “We’re a lot closer team, so we can depend on each other. If the games are close, we know we can get it back together and just win.”
Led by sophomore third baseman, Starr White, the team has devastated the school’s record books this season. The Gauchos’ 2008 record of 27 home runs in a season was broken earlier this year, and continues to be put away with 53 home runs and counting. The home runs are believed to be the third highest in state history, but some state records are not for certain. Cerritos hit 66 last season, and Mt. San Antonio had 64 in 2007.
With 78 doubles, Saddleback recently passed the its 2008 record of 72.
White in particular has played exceptionally well for the Gauchos. She has nearly doubled Lauren Molina’s six home run season in 2008 with 11 of her own. She currently stands tied with Wendy Clemens’ 1992 record batting average of .430. White only needs 10 RBIs to tie Molina’s record of 47 from 2008.
“She never gets down on herself which is a good thing,” Bosshart said. “She’s always working really hard. She’s always one of the first people at practice, and always making sure everyone’s doing their thing.”
With only two weeks left of regular season play, the Gauchos expect to keep the momentum going. Winning five of their last six games, they hope to make a push for the playoffs.
Saddleback sits one-and-a-half games back of conference rival Cypress, who they will face for their final game of the season. The Gauchos also hold a one-and-a-half game lead over third-place Fullerton College. Saddleback faces the Hornets once more this season.
The Gauchos take the field today at 3 p.m. to face the Santa Ana College Dons.