Softball Loses 13-1 to Eagles

The rebirth of SMC softball has not transitioned as smoothly as anticipated, but with each passing game evidence of improvement continues to surface and Thursday's affair was no different. Santa Monica faced off against LA Mission College in a contest that saw the Lady Cosairs thrive early, only to be thwarted by mental mistakes in a disappointing 13-1 loss to the Eagles. The game began with SMC taking early control, as freshman starting pitcher Alice Coleman threw her fastball to perfection, giving the Eagle hitters no chance to react. Coleman's stellar effort, combined with the team's initial defensive prowess, allowed the Lady Corsairs to walk away from the first half of the inning without allowing a run.

SMC would continue their momentum into the bottom half, as their offense found its rhythm against LA Mission's pitcher. Sophomore Leslie Estrada flew around the base paths as she scored the team's first run, giving the Lady Corsairs a 1-0 lead.

Entering the second inning with a one run advantage, SMC seemed to be in command. But just as the team breathed a collective sigh of relief, everything began to crumble around them. LA Mission took advantage of several mental errors by the Lady Corsairs and the Eagles began to tack on one run after another.

To add insult to injury, sophomore Rosie Magallon suffered a blow that forced her out the game in the third inning, leaving the ladies confused and overwhelmed.

Junior Anna Koper stepped in to replace the injured shortstop, as the trainer and head coach Michelle Haines contemplated the severity of Magallon's injury. LA Mission took SMC's loss and turned it into their own benefit, as they continued to build upon their already hefty lead.

With the outcome no longer in doubt, the Eagles prolonged the inevitable as they tacked five more runs in the top of the fourth. As the final inning came to an end, SMC trotted off the field staring at a disheartening 13-1 loss.

Despite the frustrating finish, the Lady Corsairs weren't willing to throw in the towel. "We have definitely improved and I am so proud of us; we look like more of a team," said Koper.

With this loss in the rearview mirror, SMC softball now looks to avenge an early season defeat against the Glendale College Gauchos, as they head to their opponent's field this Thursday at 2 p.m.