No. 17 Canyons Goes 1-1 in Doubleheader at No. 13 Bakersfield
Story and photo by Mari Kneisel/COC Sports Information
BAKERSFIELD — No. 17 College of the Canyons hit the road for a conference doubleheader vs. No. 13 Bakersfield College, narrowly dropping the first game 3-1 but rallying for a 6-5 victory in the second to snap the Renegades' eight-game win streak.
A slow start by Canyons (21-11, 11-4) allowed Bakersfield (22-12, 12-3) to nab the first two runs of the day, but the Cougars fought to push a run of their own across in the second.
With the Renegades holding a 3-1 lead headed into the sixth, the Cougars found hope when Alyssa Silva singled, bringing Schalyn Rhambo home from second.
However, Bakersfield pitcher Ryleigh Harrison soon took control and closed the game.
COC Pitcher Allyson Melgar (14-10) was charged with the loss after leading the Cougars through six innings allowing eight hits, two walks, three runs, one unearned, and striking out a pair.
Canyons came out in the second game to get the first run when Memorie Muñoz singled brining home Valery Ramirez.
Muñoz also found her way home in the fourth when Rhambo doubled to create a 3-1 lead over the Renegades. From there, the Cougars never relinquished the lead.
Sophomore Julia Fuentes led the Cougars' winning rally in the seventh inning after she doubled, allowing for Silva to cross the plate. With Macayla Paragas and Fuentes on base, Gigi Ramirez made contact bringing them both home for the final runs of the game.
COC freshman pitcher Lexy Angulo, hot off her win against No. 12 Long Beach City College last Friday, battled the Renegades lineup for the full seven innings.
Angulo (7-1) kept Bakersfield at bay despite the Renegades' late seventh inning attempt to snatch the win. Angulo recorded two strikeouts and one walk while allowing five runs on 11 hits.
The Cougars currently sit in third in the Western State Conference, East Division standings behind leader Antelope Valley College and second place Bakersfield.
Canyons will see both AVC and Bakersfield once more before conference play ends.
Top Performers Game 1 (L, 3-2)
- Schalyn Rhambo – 1-for-4, R, 2B
- Julia Fuentes – 1-for-4, R, 2B, SB
- Valery Ramirez – 2-for-3, RBI, SB
Top Performers Game 2 (W, 3-2)
- Schalyn Rhambo – 2-for-4, 2B, 2 RBI, SB
- Julia Fuentes – 1-for-4, 2B, R, RBI
- Memorie Muñoz – 1-for-3, R, RBI
- Gigi Garcia – 1-for-4, 2B, 2RBI
- Lexy Angulo – W (7-1),7 IP, 5 R, 11 H, BB, 2 K
Upcoming Schedule
Canyons is back at home Thursday, April 20 for a conference matchup vs. Glendale College. First pitch is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.
COC then hits the road for a non-conference contest vs. San Diego City College the next day, Friday, April 21 at 3 p.m. before heading over to Palomar College for a doubleheader on Saturday, April 22.
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.