The Eastern Arizona College softball season ended May 24, when the Gila Monsters were shut out 7-0 by Angelina College in the elimination round of the NJCAA Softball World Series.
It was a successful season for head coach Kate McCluskey and her team, ending with a record of 44-19. The Monsters were on a nine-game winning streak until they lost back-to-back postseason games.
Angelina College, out of Lufkin, Texas, started the game hot, collecting two extra-base-hits in the first inning to stake themselves to a 3-0 lead.
The Roadrunners remained in control from that point, adding to their lead little by little as the game carried on. They recorded 11 hits and forced EAC to commit three errors with their aggressive baserunning.
“Hand it to them — young coach and hungry,” McCluskey said.
The Monsters weren’t their usual high-octane selves, recording only three hits in the first four innings. Their other four hits came in the latter half of the game with Angelina well out front. EAC stranded seven runners in the contest.
EAC started sophomore pitcher Christa Zagala (15-9), who gave up four earned runs and five hits in three innings pitched. McCluskey then handed the ball to sophomore relievers Lauren Salcido and Jaileen Mancha to try and limit the damage done by the Roadrunners.
Salcido pitched one inning, surrendering two earned runs. Mancha pitched the remainder of the game, striking out three batters, walking two and allowing four hits.
“We went through three pitchers, had a handful of hits and just imploded,” McCluskey said. “A great year in Arizona, but couldn’t handle the big girls.”
EAC did have an opportunity to score early in the game. In the first inning, shortstop Savannah Clausen (1-for-3) and first baseman Cassidy Morrow (2-for-3) both singled, with Clausen advancing to third. Right fielder Emma Roach (0-for-3) had a chance to drive in Clausen, but she grounded out to the second baseman to end the inning, leaving runners on the corners.
The second inning started off promising with a Charlotte Velasquez (1-for-3) single to right field, followed by a Cheyenne Cunningham (0-for-1) walk. With two runners on and no outs, the Monsters couldn't capitalize, following up with a strikeout and two consecutive groundouts.
Angelina College's starting pitcher, Mia Gilmore, pitched a complete game with five strikeouts and one walk. Gilmore was confident in the pitching circle, letting her defense back her up the whole game. She faced 28 batters, and 62 of her 95 pitches were called strikes.
EAC lose 13 sophomores this year to graduation. After struggling early and posting a 4-10 start, the Monsters steadied the ship when conference play came around, going 38-10 against ACCAC foes.
“I thank my President Todd Haynie and Athletic Director Kenny Smith for allowing us this opportunity to be here.” McCluskey said.
