No. 8 Canyons Earns First Conference Victory Over Antelope Valley

The No. 8 ranked College of the Canyons softball team earned its first Western State Conference (WSC), South victory of the season on Thursday, as the Cougars defeated Antelope Valley 10-6 in seven innings.

The Cougars pounced on AVC with two runs in the top of the first, but surrendered five in the bottom half of the inning.

The Marauder lead would be short-lived, however, as Canyons posted a five-run inning of its own in the fourth frame to pull ahead for good.

COC outfielder Jennifer Metcalf proved to be a tough out all game, smacking a home run and tallying five RBIs on a 4-for-5 day at the plate.

The Canyons lineup had five players record multiple hits with Alija Ramirez (2-for-4, RBI), Julianna Carlos (3-for-4, RBI) and Lauren Anderson (2-for-3, RBI) joining Metcalf to form a dangerous middle of the order for head coach John Wissmath.

In total, the Cougars banged out 15 hits.

COC freshman pitcher Ashley Russo earned the win by pitching five solid innings in relief of starter Kaitlyn Reed.

Russo allowed just one hit, a solo home run, while striking out three batters to improve to 1-0. Reed pitched two innings and surrendered three earned runs, five total, in her short outing.

Canyons (8-2-1) will next travel to Saddleback College for an evening doubleheader beginning at 4 p.m. on Friday, March 6.

COC is the No. 8 ranked team in Southern California according to the most recent California Community College Fastpitch Coaches Association (3CFCA) State and Regional poll, released Feb. 25.

The Cougars will continue WSC, South play vs. L.A. Mission on Tuesday, March 10.