CLAREMONT, CA — Kirstin Sanchez dealt her first complete game of the season and the University of La Verne softball team scored the go-ahead run in the seventh to earn a tough 2-1 win at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps. 

Tied 1-1 in the top of the seventh, pinch hitter Aries Alonso stepped in, singled to right field, and raced to third on an error by the CMS right fielder. 

Two batters later, Mackenzie Johnson reached on an infield single, caught the defense sleeping, and advanced to second to put two Leopards in scoring position. That brought up Angelina Alderete, who singled through the left side with a hard ground ball to send Alonso home.

Sanchez forced two flyouts and a lineout to seal the win in the bottom of the seventh. Sanchez struck out two, scattered four hits, and walked just one. Hannah Adams took the loss for the Athenas, giving up nine La Verne hits.

The Leopards struck early aided by a leadoff single from Alderete. Ashley Rodriguez stepped up with two outs and Alderete on third and delivered with an infield single to plate Alderete.

Raegan Hallett went 2-2 at the plate and added a sacrifice.

Season Impact
 
The Leopards improved to 8-5 overall and 2-1 in the SCIAC. CMS dropped to 9-4 overall and 3-1 in conference play.

Next Game

The Leopards return home for a doubleheader with the Athenas tomorrow beginning at noon.