Backed by a standout out pitching performance from sophomore Nichole Muro, College of the Canyons softball picked up a 7-2 conference win over No. 13 state-ranked Antelope Valley College on Thursday, April 3.

Canyons (14-15, 4-4) is now 3-3 across its last six games. It’s lone conference loss during that span came earlier in the week at Citrus College. COC also evened the season series with AVC after falling 11-6 in the Western State Conference, South Division opener back on March 17.

On Thursday, the Cougars jumped out to a 4-0 lead before Antelope Valley (22-6, 5-2) got on the board, with Muro doing her best to shut down the Marauders’ lineup.

The Cougars manufactured a run with a double steal attempt in the first inning that allowed Brooke Petretti to come in at 1-0.

In the third it was Yahali Gonzalez doing damage with an RBI double that plated Mia Reese. Later, Petretti was at it again with an RBI base hit of her own to make it a 3-0 lead. Grace Dias later singled to score Petretti and the Cougars were off and running.

In the circle, Muro (4-4) surrendered a leadoff double to the first batter she faced but went on to sit down the next three hitters. That trend continued in the second inning as well with the AVC leadoff batter reaching base but getting no further.

AVC finally broke through with a solo home run from Marissa Rodriguez in the third inning to cut into the Canyons lead at 4-1. Rodriguez would also homer in the fifth to account for both of the Marauders’ runs.

Krista Viereck‘s double in the fifth inning resulted in another pair of runs. In the sixth, Reese singled to score Muro, finalizing the scoring at 7-2.

Antelope Valley starter Payton Marlin (11-3) took the loss after being tagged for four runs across the first three innings.

Top Performers

Grace Dias – 1-for-4, RBI

Jeniece Jimenez – 2-for-3, Sac, R,

Nichole Muro – W (7-6), 5 H, 4 BB, 2 ER, 2 K

Brooke Petretti – 1-for-3, 3 R, RBI, SB

Mia Reese – 2-for-3, R, RBI

Krista Viereck – 2-for-4, 2B, 2 RBI

Upcoming Schedule

The Cougars begin a five-game homestand running April 7 -15, with contests vs. Long Beach City College, Fullerton College, L.A. Mission, Ventura College and Glendale College all on the docket.

The matchups vs. L.A. Mission on April 10, vs. Ventura on April 11, and vs. Glendale on April 15, will all be livestreamed to fans free of charge on the Cougar Sports Network.

Stay up to date on all this season’s action by COCAthletics.com and on social media at @COCathletics on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.