THOUSAND OAKS, CA – The University of La Verne softball team continued their hot streak against the Cal Lutheran Regals in the final two games of the series, splitting with the Regals, 6-3 and 9-4.
The Leopards didn't waste any time establishing a lead. In the top of the first, senior
Allie Colenzo tripled to right center and
Kylee Knight brought her home on a single to left field. With Knight, former Leopard of the Week, on first,
Aries Alonso laid down a sacrifice bunt to move her forward, and a double from shortstop
Brooke Petretti brought her home. In the third, with Leopards now up 2-0, Petretti advanced on a passed ball and crossed home with help from
Annica Luna's flyout to left field.
The team effort continued in the top of the second, when
Alexis Keifer doubled to left center, forcing the Regals to make a pitching change. Colenzo advanced Keifer to third, and Knight pushed Keifer past home with a single to right field. Colenzo followed when Alonso singled to left field to stretch the lead to 5-1. The Leopards finished their scoring frenzy in the top of the fifth when freshman Crisitina Lopez flied out to bring Luna home after a double and an advancement on a wild pitch.
Colenzo, Knight, and Keifer combined for nine hits and four runs. Seasoned pitcher
Briana Vasquez started for a second day in a row and pitched a complete game yet again. She struck out five and only allowed two walks to pick up her eighth win of the season.
Knight, Keifer, Luna, and Vega led the Leopards in game two. Knight finished the game with three hits, one RBI, and one run. Keifer followed her with two hits, one RBI, and one run, and right behind her was Vega with two hits and one run. Luna tallied one hit and two RBIs.
Leos scored first in the top of the first with a single that advanced Petretti and sent Alonso home. La Verne pulled ahead, 3-2 in the third, thanks to a stolen base from Knight followed by a single from Keifer and RBI double from Luna. However, the Regals rallied for five runs in the fifth inning and held on for the 9-4 win.
Freshman pitcher
Alyssa Tafolla was in the circle for the Leopards and struck out one.
La Verne will play next at Chapman University at 3 p.m. on Friday, April 17.