No. 14 Canyons Softball Sinks Pirates 2-1

College of the Canyons softball stock image.
April 4, 2023

No. 14 College of the Canyons came out on top of a defensive battle with the visiting Orange Coast College Pirates on Friday, walking away with the 2-1 non-conference victory.

Canyons (15-9, 6-3) and Orange Coast both crossed the plate early on, before engaging in a back-and forth defensive effort. 

Orange Coast (7-14, 4-6) was quick to take the lead in the first, however the Cougars responded in the same inning putting up the winning runs as a result of aggressive base running from both Ashlynn Heck and Shalyn Rhambo.

Heck battled her first at bat and walked before stealing second. With Rhambo outrunning the sac-bunt, Heck made her way to third and shortly after with her tenth stolen base of the year, Rhambo worked her way to second.

Both Cougars found their way home when sophomore Julia Fuentes, singled off OCC pitcher Angela Whitmer, brining the game to what proved to be the 2-1 final score.

COC's defense was headed by pitcher Allyson Melgar. 

Melgar (11-8) worked the entire seven innings, issuing two strikeouts, three walks and allowing only one run on four hits. 

As the game progressed, the Cougars and the Pirates settled into defensive roles, but the Pirates found some hope for the tying run in the fifth inning with a single from Isabel McElroy, allowing for Lexi Gamez to set her sights on home plate.

However, Heck threw a lazer to Gigi Garcia stopping Gamezfrom reaching home and ultimately ending Orange Coast'soffensive progression. 

Melgar closed out the tight victory, earning her another win on the year. 

Top Performers

• Ashlynn Heck – 1-for-2, R, BB, SB
• Allyson Melgar – W (11-8), 7 IP, 4 H, R, 3 BB, 2 K
• Julia Fuentes – 1-for-2, 2 RBI
• Schalyn Rhambo – 1-for-3, R, SB


The Cougars will be on the road their next two games. They will face the Los Angeles Mission Eagles on Tuesday, April 4 at 2:30 p.m. before heading over to Citrus College to take on the Owls on Thursday, April 6 at the same start time.

Canyons will then be back at home Tuesday, April 11 to face off against Los Angeles Valley College and again the next day, Wednesday, April 12 to take on the Owls once more. First pitch for both games will be at 2:30 p.m.