Cougars Fall To Saddleback In First Game of Playoffs

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. - The No. 5 College of the Canyons softball team gave up 14 hits for 14 runs on Saturday afternoon, against No. 12 Saddleback College, falling to the Gauchos 14-5 in a five inning, mercy rule game in the first match up of the best-of-three series. Canyons will now have to win two games on Saturday, in order to advance to the Super Regionals. 

Canyons saw the Gauchos put up eight runs in the top of the second inning and two in the third inning, which deflated the Cougars early in the game. COC made a short comeback in the bottom of the fourth, scoring four runs in the inning but its defense couldn't hold off four more Gaucho runs in the fourth and fifth innings.

Sophomore Kimmie Lockhart was tagged with the loss. She gave up 12 earned runs, struck out seven and gave up two homeruns.

Alyssa Hernandez went 2-for-3 for the Cougars and Karlee Bickford went 2-for-2 with two RBIs and a homerun. 

COC will return to action on Sunday, May 5 at noon for the second game. If the Cougars win, the two teams will play in a winner take all third game, 30 minutes after the noon game. 

Bakersfield College will play host to this year's softball state championships, being held May 17-19. 

Tickets can only be purchased at the gate and are $8 for adults and $5 for children.