Dons Advance in Regional Playoffs

The squad advanced to the second round of the California Community College Athletics Association Southern Regional Playoffs after defeating visiting Allan Hancock College Sunday. / Rogelio Santana / el Don

By Rogelio Santana

The Dons advanced to the California Community College Athletic Association Super Regionals with a 3-0 victory over visiting Allan Hancock College Sunday.

The Dons stole bases before scoring each run.

“We’re just very aggressive, so I’m always looking to take the base,” Co-head Coach Jessica Rapoza said. “It’s not really a matter of ‘if’ we’re going to steal, it’s a matter of when we’re going to steal.“

Freshman Lindsey Esparza pitched the first five innings striking one person out.

“We all communicate, so we all know what we are going to do to get a person out. That’s what you need; it’s communication. We did good, we did really good,” said Esparza.

The first run was scored in the third inning by freshman Paolena Comouche when sophomore Keila Tenorio smacked a base hit to right field.

“I know I’m going to do it [steal bases]. . I trust my team teammates to hit me in. I know I’m going to come in,“ said Comouche.

I try and get and make a lane for myself because if the middle is blocking the base I’m going to have to go on the other side or if shes on the opposite part of the base I need to go on the inside. I trust my team teammates to hit me in. I know I’m going to come in,“ said Comouche.

Sophomore Alyssa Yglesias knocked in Tenorio for the second run after Tenorio stole second.

Natalie Wolf scored the last run after hitting the ball towards the back left of the field, after the ball was not caught Allen Hancock left fielder Megan Love, allowing Wolf to make it to third.

Pitcher Frances Campoy struck out AHC the last two innings giving them no chances to touch base.

“I felt confident because my team was able to get three runs,” Campoy said.

For the next games, “I expect us to come out hard, score more in the first innings and not really give the other teams chances,” Campoy said.

The next match is against Santiago Canyon Friday May 9. If SAC wins, the Dons will advance to the next round of the CCCAA playoffs.