Softball: Pirates edge Saddleback

COSTA MESA - The Orange Coast College softball team rallied to

knock off visiting Saddleback, 4-3, in Orange Empire Conference action

Monday afternoon.

Trailing, 2-0, in the top of the second, the Pirates (14-10, 3-5 in

conference) tied the score in the bottom of the second and took the lead

for good with a two-run third inning.

“It was just a great game,” Coach Rick Buonarigo said. “We really battled

hard against them today. I’m extremely proud of the way the girls battled

all game.”

Monica Ortega battled a hamstring injury to throw a complete-game

four-hitter, allowing no earned runs.

“It was her decision on whether she should pitch or not,” Buonarigo said.

“She could hardly walk, but she was awesome.”

Jennifer Jenson had an RBI double to give the Pirates the lead for good

over the Gauchos (7-6-1, 4-3).

OCC will meet rival Golden West at home on Wednesday before traveling to

Fresno City College for a weekend tournament.

ORANGE EMPIRE CONFERENCE

Orange Coast 4, Saddleback 3

Saddleback 020 100 0 - 3 4 3

Orange Coast 022 000 x - 4 8 3

Carlisle, Alcaraz (3) and Habinger; Ortega and Degree. W - Ortega, 9-8. L

- Carlisle, 4-4. 2B - Jensen (OCC).