Offense Lifts SMCC Softball to Doubleheader Sweep of Gateway CC

PHOENIX ---

The South Mountain Community College (8-6, 8-4 ACCAC) defeated Gateway CC 26-0 (5) and 8-0 (6) in an Arizona Community College Athletic Conference doubleheader on Mar. 23. In the first game, the Cougars struck for 22 runs in the first inning, and Mia Stankiewicz (2), Natalie Torres, Jaudrey Ah Quin and Destiny Apodaca hit home runs in the victory. Stankiewicz hit another two home runs in the second game, and Christian Smith threw a four-hit shutout as the Cougars swept the Geckos. 

Game One

The Cougar offense produced 12 extra-base hits and 12 stolen bases in the 26-0 victory over the Geckos. 

Apodaca, Stankiewicz and Ah Quin all finished with four hits in the win. Stankiewicz was 4-for-4 with two home runs, six RBIs, three runs and two stolen bases. Apodaca went 4-for-5 with three runs, three RBIs, a double, a home run and a stolen base. Ah Quin also was 4-for-5, adding four RBIs, two runs, a home run and a triple. 

Freshman Alexa Key had two doubles, two stolen bases, four runs scored and an RBI, while Tori Van Arsdale finished 2-for-2 with four runs, three stolen bases, two walks and an RBI. Tara Lorona added three RBIs, two runs, a stolen base and a triple, and Tatumn Ellis was 2-for-3 with two runs, three RBIs, a double, a triple and a sacrifice bunt. 

In the circle, Jackie Traughber (4-1) tossed a three-hit shutout with six strikeouts. She helped her cause at the plate and collected two hits, three runs and two stolen bases. Torres added a pinch-hit, solo home run, and Taylor Mount scored two runs and had an RBI and a stolen base. 

Game Two

The SMCC offense continued to roll and produced another seven extra-base hits to complete the doubleheader sweep. 

Stankiewicz blasted another two home runs and finished 3-for-3 with two runs, four RBIs and a double. Torres went 2-for-2 with two runs, two RBIs, a double and her second home run of the day. Key also had two hits, collecting a double and a triple to go with a run scored and an RBI. 

Ellis and Lorona added base hits in the victory, and Apodaca, Traughber, Ah Quin, Lorona and Ellis each recorded a stolen base. 

In the circle, Smith (4-3) worked around four hits and five walks to pick up her fourth win of the season. She added five strikeouts. 

The Cougars return to action on Tuesday, Mar. 30, with a doubleheader against Central Arizona. The first game starts at 1 p.m.