Panthers Win First Conference Game Against Victor Valley

The Chaffey Panther softball team continues their solid play, improving their record to 11-10 after defeating Victor Valley College 5-3 in their first conference game of the season. The Panthers have now won three games in a row and have outscored their opponents 41-15 in March. Their only loss this month was a narrow 3-4 defeat to Citrus College

Chaffey jumped to an early lead in the top of the first inning. Sophomore Amanda Sera led off with a single, and sophomore Samantha Vasquez followed with a sacrifice bunt, advancing Sera to third. Sophomore Vivian Medinilla then drove Sera in with a ground ball, scoring the game's first run.

In the bottom of the inning, Victor Valley College (VVC) threatened with a one-out triple, putting the Panthers in a tough spot. However, sophomore Tori Morton pitched her way out of the jam, forcing a pop-up and then striking out the next batter

In the second inning, the Panthers extended their lead to 2-0. Riley Montion drew a walk, and Alyssa Sanchez followed with a sacrifice bunt, advancing Montion. Megan Aranda then singled, placing runners at the corners. A well-executed double steal by Aranda and Montion brought in the second run.

The Rams responded in the bottom of the second, scoring a run to narrow the gap to 2-1. They then tied the game in the third inning, bringing the score to 2-2.

Chaffey regained the lead in the top of the 4th inning. Three consecutive singles, followed by a bases-loaded walk by Medinilla—her second RBI of the game—put the Panthers ahead 3-2.

Despite loading the bases for the second straight inning, and leaving two runners stranded in the fifth, Chaffey failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities. In the bottom of the sixth, against Sera, who had entered the game in relief, the Rams tied the game again with a sacrifice RBI.

The Panthers took advantage in the top of the seventh, scoring a pair of runs on a Sanchez RBI single and an Aranda ground out RBI to take the 5-3 lead.

Sera pitched a flawless 1-2-3 inning, securing the win for the Panthers. 

Offensively, Medinilla contributed two RBIs, bringing her season total to 20. Aranda had a strong performance at the plate, going 3-for-4 with her 22nd RBI of the year. On the pitching side, Morton pitched five solid innings, allowing only five hits and striking out eight, giving her career total to 110, placing her third all-time in the Chaffey record books. Vasquez also contributed, hitting a double and a sacrifice fly. This sacrifice was her 22nd career sacrifice, a Chaffey record."

The Panthers will be back on the field on Monday, March 17th. They are scheduled to take on Long Beach City College at Chaffey College. First pitch is scheduled for a 2:30 p.m. start.