Eleven-Run, 3rd Inning Ignites Softball's Home-Opening Win, 17-3

The Pasadena City College softball team offense exploded for 11 runs in the third inning and went on to rout Glendale, 17-3, in the team's home opener Wednesday at Robinson Park. The Lancers improved to 1-2.

Leading 6-3, PCC poured it on in the third by sending 16 batters to the plate, ripping eight hits, collecting four walks and reaching base on two Vaqueros' errors. Both catcher Alyssa Ceballos and backup shortstop Brittany Gutierrez had two hits in the rally with Ceballos lining a RBI double and driving in two more on a single to center. Olivia Nanez hit one of her two sacrifice flies in the game during the onslaught and added a RBI single. Giselle Lopez delivered a 2-run single. 

"I felt like our bats really came alive today," said PCC head coach Monica Tantlinger. "I was a little dismayed by some defensive lapses for Glendale's runs, but this was a good example of how our team can be when we are locked in at the plate. Whether it was to draw into counts and get on base via a free pass or simply getting good barrel on our hits, we did what we wanted to do offensively."

Overall, Ceballos, Nanez and Lopez all drove in three runs while Marcella Ordonez added two ribbies. Nanez and Gabi Perez each were 2-for-2 while Gutierrez, Jaimie Harris (scored three runs) and Ordonez all were 2-for-3. Ceballas finished 2-for-4. Pasadena collected 13 hits and drew 10 walks. 

Elena Bahnimtewa (1-1) pitched a complete-game, 5-hitter, allowing five hits and just one unearned run. It was the first time since 2020 that PCC scored 17 runs (beat Compton 17-0 on Jan. 30).

Harris defensively fielded all six of her chances flawlessley, including making a 5-3 putouts on the first three Glendale hitters in the first inning. 

PCC returns to action on Friday, Feb. 3 when it plays Southwestern in a Robinson Park doubleheader (12 and 2 p.m.)