Canyons Completes Perfect Conference Run With 6-2 Win Over Barstow

Story and photos by Jesse Muñoz/COC Sports Information Director

College of the Canyons finished its conference schedule a perfect 16-0 by beating Barstow College 6-2 after 'Sophomore Day' ceremonies at Whitten Field on Thursday.

Canyons (25-14, 16-0) clinched the Western State Conference, East Division Championship last week, but was focused on the perfect run through conference. The title was the program's 15th overall and seventh under head coach John Wissmath.

COC finishing the conference schedule undefeated is a feat that had not been accomplished since 2013, when the Cougars went 18-0 to win the then-named WSC, Blue Division, and finished the season with 34-11-2 overall record.

On Tuesday, Canyons and Barstow played to a 2-2 tie until the Cougars were able to rally for four runs in a decisive fifth inning.

The Vikings' lineup managed two quick scores on COC starter Megan Wilson (5-3) in the first inning but were otherwise held in check the rest of the way.

Wilson scattered six hits and issued two walks in five innings of work to get the win. COC reliever Katie Taix also tossed two innings of scoreless relief.

Jordan Vallejo put COC on the board in the opening frame with an RBI-double that scored Heidi Ludy. Sienna Vannoy later plated Vallejo to the tie game at 2-2.

Vannoy then broke the game wide open in the fifth with a two-run single that brought home Danielle Chatman and Ludy, making it a 5-2 ballgame.

Lyndra Fenald doubled in the final run later in the inning, reaching second base on a head-first slide that caused the Cougar faithful to erupt in cheers.

Vannoy was 2-for-3 with a run and three RBIs, and also stole two bases. Ludy was 2-for-2 with a walk and a pair of runs, to go with two stolen bases.

Prior to the game, COC honored its eight sophomore players who will be leaving the program at season's end. Over the past two years, the current group of sophomores has helped the program post a 55-27-1 overall record while winning the 2018 conference title. 

Tuesday's contest marked the final home game of the season and the end of the conference schedule. However, the Cougars must still travel to Mt. San Antonio College for a game that was originally scheduled for March 10, but had to be postponed due to weather. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m.

Stay up to date on all this season's action by following the College of the Canyons Athletic department on social media at @COCathletics on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.