Hawks Cap Busy Week with Pivotal Victories

The 11^th ranked Cosumnes River Hawks (CRC) softball team capped a busy week of softball with back-to-back wins over two top-20 opponents on Saturday. The Hawks beat 6^th ranked College of San Mateo 2-1 and 17^th ranked Fresno City College 7-5. Earlier in the week CRC beat conference foe San Joaquin Delta College 6-3 and split with Folsom Lake College in a make-up double header.

"We played a lot of softball last week, but it ended up well," said head coach Kristy Schroeder. "We got off to a good start with some key wins over conference opponents and then finished strong against two top programs in the state."

In the circle, Tatiana Blass posted wins against Delta and San Mateo while A.J. Dahdouh went 2-0 against Folsom Lake and Fresno City. Blas struck out eight in the two wins giving up only three earned runs against the traditionally strong offenses of the Bulldogs and Mustangs. Dahdouh held the Falcons and Rams in check by striking out 12 over the week.

Offensively the Hawks were led by first baseman Emily Johnson. Johnson went 9-14 with six RBI and a home run on the week. Several other Hawks contributed to the wins as well. Tamisha McBride went 3-4 with two RBI against Fresno City. Layla Towner was 2-4 with a run scored versus San Mateo. Sara Babby went 1-3 with two RBI in the win over Folsom Lake and went 1-1 with a run scored and an RBI to help top Delta.

"Emily had a fantastic week. She had quality at-bats every trip to the plate and was simply an offensive force for us," commented Schroeder. "I was extremely happy with our pitchers. I think they have really improved. We have minimized our walks and are working ahead of batters."

CRC returns to action on Thursday at Diablo Valley and then hosts 2^nd ranked Sierra College on Saturday.