Cypress vs Sacramento City
May 17 , 2008
Riverside, Calif. - After all ready playing two games earlier in the day it would seem as if Sacramento City College (50-5) faced a steep hill to climb when they drew Cypress College (53-4) the South’s #1 team in the final elimination game of the day. The Panthers mustered every last bit of energy they had, and came out on top, pulling off a minor 1-0 upset over the Chargers.

In a match-up between the North’s top pitcher (Amanda Monday) and the South’s top pitcher (Alyssa Freight), Saturday evenings game was every bit of what you would expect it to be, a pitcher’s duel. Freight would pitch six strong innings, surrendering just two hits, while Monday gave up four hits, but struck-out three batters to Freight’s none.

With both pitcher’s cruising Cypress’ best chances came in the second and fifth innings, when the Chargers had runners on third base. Both times though Monday came through popping up the batter in the second and striking out the batter in the fifth, to keep her shut-out rolling along.

While Cypress failed to cash in on their chance in the fifth, Sacramento City didn’t. After sophomore Charlotte Honciano led off the inning with a double to center field, sophomore Erica McIntyre moved Honciano over to third on a sacrifice bunt. With Honciano on third, freshman Mellisa Harktop drove in the game winning run with a fielder’s choice.

With the win Sacramento City ends Cypress’ season, while earning the right to play Mt. SAC who lost to Cerritos in the semi-final game later that night. The winner of Sunday morning’s game will face Cerritos and have to beat them twice to claim a state championship.