Owls Score 12 Runs Again, Shutout Monarchs

Citrus College Softball continued its dominant run on Tuesday, defeating Los Angeles Valley College with a 12-0 mercy-rule victory in just five innings at home. 

The win bumps the Owls to 19-13 overall and 8-1 in conference play, while LA Valley slips to 11-21-1 and remains winless in the conference at 0-9. 

Sophomore slugger Madelyn Hajj wasted no time lighting up the scoreboard, blasting her state-leading 11th home run of the season in the bottom of the first—a two-run shot that brought in Alivia Martinez and gave Citrus a quick 2-0 lead. 

The Owls put up seven more runs in the second inning. The rally featured an RBI double from Sofia Femath, back-to-back RBI hits from Martinez and Hajj—who cleared the bases with a three-RBI double—and a ground-rule double from Breanna Aguilar that added two more. By the time the dust settled, Citrus had built a commanding 9-0 lead. 

Three more runs came in the fourth thanks to a two-RBI single from Bailey Aguilar and an RBI fielder's choice by Aleena Ramos. 

Hajj led the offense, going 2-for-3 with five RBIs and two runs. Bailey Aguilar was perfect at the plate, finishing 2-for-2 with two RBIs, two runs, and a walk. Femath, Martinez, and Camarena each added multi-faceted contributions. Martinez also stole three bases, bringing her season total to 33—setting a new Citrus single-season record. Camarena was not far behind, swiping two bags to push her season total to 30, breaking the previous program record of 29. 

Caitlin Kelley (14-9) picked up the win, tossing three scoreless innings with two strikeouts. Camila Abundis closed out the game with two hitless frames and one strikeout. 

Citrus will be back in action Thursday, April 10, as they hit the road for a conference matchup at Bakersfield College. First pitch is set for 2:30 p.m.