THOUSAND OAKS, Calif.— Junior Sienna Perez pitched a complete-game, freshman Ariana Mendoza smashed a 2-run home run and Cal Lutheran softball defeated the La Verne Leopards, 4-1, on Friday afternoon.
Perez was fantastic for the Regals (5-5, 2-2 SCIAC) as she went the distance, striking out one batter while only giving up four hits and a run. Perez retired the first 11 batters and saw defensive plays from all over the diamond.
The Cal Lutheran offense did its damage in the fourth inning. After a quick two outs, senior Kendall Marinesi tripled to right center, with the ball just barely staying in the ball park. Mendoza was looking for a homerun, just like Marinesi, as the next batter up put the ball over the fence to dead center and the Regals had the lead. It is her third homerun of the year.
After a single from senior Lexie Findley and junior Natalie Winokur getting hit by a pitch, the Regals were in business again. Senior Celeste Ekman came to the plate, and delivered a doubled to right center, putting her team up 4-0.
Perez went back to work in the fifth and sixth innings, continuing to shut down the Leopards, giving up just one hit.
The Leopards finally broke through in the seventh inning with one out, as they scored their first run of the game. Perez closed the door after that, picking up her second win of the season, and giving her team a 4-1 win.
The Regals look to claim the season series with the Leopards on Saturday as Cal Lutheran travels to La Verne for a doubleheader starting at 12 p.m.
Box Score: CLU 4, ULV 1
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Release by Ryan Jorgenson, Sports Information Director