The Oxnard College Condors softball team rebounded in dominant fashion, delivering a commanding 10-2 victory over the second-place Santa Barbara Vaqueros at Pershing Park. The win showcased the Condors' offensive depth and defensive resilience, solidifying their presence in the Western State Conference race.
Oxnard's bats came alive in the third inning, where they pushed across two runs to take an early lead. A bases-loaded walk by Amber Cervantez and a sacrifice fly from Victoria Rodriguez put the Condors ahead 2-0. They extended their lead in the fourth inning as Madison Gray ripped an RBI double, followed by an RBI groundout from Alizabeth Rosas and an infield single from Cervantez, making it 5-0.
The Condors continued their offensive push, adding a run in the fifth and another in the sixth. Alizsa Rosas contributed with a key RBI double, and Rodriguez's sacrifice fly made it 7-0 heading into the final frame. Oxnard capped off their scoring in the seventh inning with a bases-loaded walk and a clutch two-run single from Julianna Lopez, extending their lead to 10-1.
Santa Barbara managed to scratch across a run in the sixth and another in the seventh, but it was not enough to challenge Oxnard's commanding lead.
Pitcher Amber Cervantez was lights-out in the circle, going the distance with a stellar complete-game performance. She allowed just six hits and two runs (one earned) while striking out eight batters over seven innings.
"We needed a big win like this to get back on track," said head coach Bianca Noriega. "The team showed up with energy against a tough opponent. Amber was outstanding, and our offense executed when we needed it most."
The Condors tallied 11 hits in the game, led by Cervantez, who went 3-for-3 with three RBIs, and Gray, who went 2-for-4 with an RBI. Alizsa Rosas and Lopez also chipped in with crucial RBIs to help power the offense.
With the victory, Oxnard improves its record and gains momentum as they push toward the postseason. They will look to continue their winning ways in their next matchup against Cuesta, in San Luis Obispo on Thursday.