Patriots out-slug Vaqs to claim opener

By Adam Paul
Updated: February 21, 2024

2024 EAST COUNTY PREP SOFTBALL

By Adam Paul

LAKESIDE – A big day offensively for the Christian Patriots would lead to an explosive 8-run third inning and a convincing road victory over the El Capitan Vaqueros on Wednesday (Feb. 21) in an 11-1 non-league decision.

Christian (1-0) was led by many on offense including sophomore Keels Carrizosa (3-4, 2 R, 3 RBI, 2B) who would drive in two of her three RBI on the day in the third inning while junior Tyler Krystek (3-4, 2 R, RBI, 2B) would also double in her sister Jordyn Krystek (1-3, R, RBI) who is also a junior.

Also contributing three hits on the day each was juniors Kaitlyn Moody (3-4, 2 R, RBI, SB) and Ashley Wood (3-5, R, 3 RBI, 2B) who also matched Carrizosa RBI wise with three driven in.

Pitching-wise for the Patriots sophomore Ava Barrios picked up the win, going 3 innings in which she allowed one hit while fanning five on the day. Coming into the game in relief was freshman Sienna State who finished things out going four innings in which she allowed the only run on two hits and struck out a pair.

The only run on the day for the El Capitan Vaqueros (0-1) came in the bottom of the fourth inning on an error by the Patriots allowing Alyssa Fierro to come in to score.

Senior Addison Leone led the Vaqueros with two hits while senior Alanna Christiaens had the other hit.

The win by the Christian Patriots snaps a six-game losing streak to the Vaqueros dating back to 2018. The Patriots led by junior Mallory Steele who would pick up the win as they claimed a 8-5 victory to extend a three-game winning streak at the time in the series against El Capitan.