Softball Secures Conference Sweep Against Canyons

Citrus College softball hosted College of the Canyons today, earning an 11-6 conference win, securing the season sweep. 

The victory boosts the Owls to a 16-13 overall record and a conference-leading 6-1 mark, while the Cougars drop to 13-15 overall and 3-4 in conference play. 

Coming off an 11-run performance last Friday against Allan Hancock College, the Owls' offense stayed red-hot in today's matchup. 

Canyons struck first with a three-run opening inning, but Citrus quickly answered with a five-run surge. Madelyn Hajj kicked things off with an RBI single, followed by a sacrifice fly from Rylee Praytor to bring in another run. Ava Camarena added an RBI single, and Breanna Aguilar capped off the inning with a sacrifice fly that plated two, giving the Owls a 5-3 lead. 

The Cougars fought back, reclaiming the lead with two runs in the second inning to go up 6-5. However, Hajj wasted no time responding, crushing a solo home run to center field—her conference-best eighth of the season—to tie the game at 6-6. 

In the fourth, Jaelynn Eaves broke the tie in dramatic fashion, launching her fourth home run of the year, a two-run blast that scored Alivia Martinez and put Citrus back on top, 8-6. 

The Owls added insurance runs in the sixth. Eaves delivered again with a two-run single, bringing her RBI total to four on the day, and Breanna Aguilar drew a bases-loaded walk to extend the lead to 11-6. 

Pitcher Caitlin Kelley went the distance, allowing five earned runs while striking out two in a complete-game performance. 

Citrus was led offensively by Eaves, who went 3-for-4 with a home run, four RBIs (tying her season high), and three runs scored. Hajj was unstoppable at the plate, going 4-for-4 with a home run, two RBIs, and two runs. Martinez contributed a 2-for-4 effort with three runs and made key plays in right field, while Praytor reached base three times with a 2-for-2 performance and a walk. Camarena also chipped in with an RBI, a run, and her conference-leading 27th stolen base. 

The Owls will look to continue their momentum as they travel to Glendale College on Thursday, April 3, for a 2:30 p.m. conference showdown.