Walnut, Calif. – In their final conference matchup of the regular season, the Mt. SAC Softball Team earned a hard-fought 4-2 win over El Camino on Monday, April 21. After falling to the Warriors in their previous two meetings this season—7-2 in February and 2-1 earlier this month—the Mounties bounced back when it mattered most. With the win, Mt. SAC currently holds third place in the South Coast Conference with a 24-13 overall record and an 18-6 mark in conference play. El Camino remains just ahead in second, boasting a 32-6 overall record and 19-3 in the SCC.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The Mounties came out firing, determined to set the tone early. Katie Griego jump-started the offense in the bottom of the first with a double to left-center, bringing home Sarai Raygoza and Isabella Guerrero for a fast 2-0 lead. Moments later, Morgan Kneubuhler kept the momentum going with an RBI single to right field, scoring Griego and extending the Mounties' lead to 3-0.

Even after a pitching change by El Camino—Mahlia Espino replacing Lexi Ramirez—Griego continued to produce, executing a sacrifice bunt in the second inning to bring in Guerrero and extend Mt. SAC's lead to 4-0.

El Camino responded midgame with an RBI double from Emma Garcia in the third and an RBI single from Emily Gamboa in the fourth. Despite their efforts, the Warriors couldn't close the gap.

On the mound, Kayden Connaty started strong for Mt. SAC, throwing three innings with two earned runs, two hits, and four strikeouts. Samantha Vizcarra took over for the final four innings, keeping El Camino scoreless and securing the win.

BY THE NUMBERS:

• Katie Griego (Mt. SAC): 2-for-2, 3 RBI, 2B
• Kayden Connaty (Mt. SAC): 3 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 4 SO
• Emma Garcia (El Camino): 1-for-3, RBI, 2B

NEXT UP:

The Mounties will host Bakersfield College (20-18) in their second-to-last regular season game on Wednesday, April 23, at 4:00 PM. With momentum on their side, Mt. SAC looks to finish the season strong—Go Mounties!

STAY CONNECTED:

Follow Mt. SAC Softball on Twitter @mtsac_softball or Instagram /mt.sacsoftball/

Follow Mt. SAC Athletics on Twitter @MtSAC_athletics Instagram /mtsac_athletics/ or Facebook @Mountie.Athletics

For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.