SMCC Softball Splits with Phoenix College

PHOENIX ---

The South Mountain Community College softball team (25-15, 20-14 ACCAC) split an ACCAC home doubleheader against Phoenix College on April 27, winning game one 11-10 before falling 7-4 in game two. Freshman Michelle Balcazar hit two home runs and drove in five as the Cougars rallied for the victory in game one. Sophomore Iliana Munoz finished 3 for 3 with a solo home run, but the Bears scored six runs in the seventh to post a split on the day. 

Game One Recap

The Cougars overcame early 4-0 and 5-1 deficits to down the Bears in game one of the twinbill. 

Balcazar hit a solo home run in the second and a three-run blast in the third to help draw SMCC within 5-4 after three. After PC tacked on a run in the fourth, SMCC answered with one of their own and matched the Bears' two runs in the fifth. 

With the score 8-7, Phoenix College scored twice in the sixth to take a 10-7 lead. SMCC's half of the sixth started with three-straight doubles off the bats of sophomore Vanessa Philpot, freshman Azlynn Madrid, and sophomore Mia Franco. That cut the lead to 10-9, and an RBI single from freshman Sabrina Erran tied the game with one out. Freshman Nadia Rascon then plated the winning run with an RBI single. 

In the seventh, PC put two aboard with one out, but the Cougars ended the game on a double play. 

Balcazar finished 2 for 4 with two runs, five RBIs, and her first two home runs of the season. Franco also went deep in the game, hitting a solo shot in the fourth. She went 2 for 3 with two runs, two RBIs, and a double. 

Erran and Rascon also had two hits in the win, scoring twice and driving in one. Freshman Taylor Christensen and Rascon posted doubles in addition to Philpot and Madrid. 

Sophomore Mykenzie Flores (9-1) earned the win with three innings of relief work. She allowed three hits, three walks, and two runs. Christensen started the game for SMCC and went four innings with nine hits, eight runs, two walks, and five strikeouts. 

Game Two Recap

The Cougars held a 4-1 lead into the seventh, but the Bears put a six spot on the scoreboard to escape the sweep and win 7-4. 

Munoz tied the game in the third with a solo home run, her 16th of the season.

With one out in the sixth, Christensen drew a walk, and Rascon doubled to center. A fielder's choice cut down Christensen at the plate, but Philpot broke the tie with a two-out RBI single. Erran then recorded an RBI double, and sophomore Mekaila Smith had an RBI single to give SMCC a 4-1 advantage. 

Munoz finished a perfect 3 for 3 with a run and an RBI, while Rascon was 2 for 3 with a run, a double, and a walk. 

Sophomore Angelica Tello (6-8) took the loss in the circle for SMCC. In six innings, she allowed seven hits, six runs, three walks, and two strikeouts. Flores recorded the final three outs and had a strikeout.