Cats win home opener

The Saddleback softball team opened the 2023 home schedule with a 3-1 victory over Los Angeles Mission College on Friday at the Saddleback Softball Complex.  The Bobcats will host Citrus College on Monday looking to get above .500.

Saddleback had solid pitching and timely hitting in brushing back Los Angeles Mission on Friday.  Sarah Araujo (pictured left) led the Bobcats on offense while Desiree McGruder (pictured right) kept the Eagles silent for most of the day.

Saddleback took a 1-0 lead in the bottom half of the first inning when Araujo singled and later came around to score on an error on the LA Mission shortstop.  The Bobcats would tack on two more runs in the bottom half of the fifth inning as McGruder, Lily Troiano, Araujo and Mia Calderon had four straight singles during the inning.

McGruder was tough on the hill, allowing just four hits while pitching a complete game.  She struck out five Eagle batters while walking one in improving to 1-1 for the season.

Araujo finished 2-for-3 with two runs-scored at the plate.  

Saddleback will host Citrus College on Monday at 2:30 PM at the Saddleback Softball Complex.