MARAUDER SOFTBALL OPENS PLAYOFFS WITH EASY VICTORY

Photo by Bruce Jacobsen

LANCASTER - For at least a couple of minutes after its first at bat of the game, Santa Ana College had to feel somewhat confident after putting up one run against AVC starter Morgan Arndt.

Well, unfortunately for the Dons, the Marauders hadn't even had their first at bat.

That confidence was soon shattered after AVC put up 11 runs in the bottom of the first inning including a home run and a double from Dolly Stevens in the same inning and the Marauders cruised to an easy 20-1 opening round playoff victory, Friday afternoon at Marauder Stadium.

The Marauders will look to close the series on Saturday at noon and advance to the second round.

Stevens finished the game 3-for-3 with eight RBI and three runs scored and two home runs. Stevens is second in the state with 20 home runs to teammate Paige Johnson. Johnson leads the state with 21. Both have shattered the previous school record for home runs in a season.

Johnson added to a state-leading RBI by finishing with three, giving her 94 on the season. She was 3-for-3 with four runs. Johnson also set the California Community College Athletic Association State record with her 94 RBI. Johnson can conceivably record 100 RBI this season, a feat no other player has ever done.

Arndt, who only allowed one run and three hits, helped herself out with a home run. Katie Weiser also hit a home run and added three RBI.