Story and photo by Jesse Muñoz/COC Sports Information Director

College of the Canyons starter Joy Veloz struck out nine batters and the Cougars pounded out 10 hits to defeat conference rival Antelope Valley College 7-2 at Whitten Field on Thursday.

Veloz (2-0) scattered six hits and issued a lone walk to keep the Marauders off balance for the better part of six and 1/3 innings. The nine strikeouts were a season best for Veloz who has now made three starts for the Cougars.

Katie Taix recorded the final two outs for the Cougars to help keep COC undefeated vs. conference opponents.

COC sophomore Heidi Ludy had another big day at the plate, finishing 3-for-4 with a double, a run, a stolen base and two RBIs. Ludy, who leads the club with a .437 batting average, broke the game open with a two-run single in the third inning.

Danielle Chatman and Katie Clinkunbroomer both recorded two RBIs for the Cougars. Clinkunbroomer’s RBI-single in the third inning scored Ludy and Jordan Vallejo to open up a 4-0 COC lead.

Vallejo recorded an RBI-double in the fifth inning before Chatman rocketed a two-run home run to left field that put the game at 7-0. Chatman was 1-for-3 on the day, with her team-leading fourth home run of the season.

Here’s the box score.

See more game photos here.

Canyons (11-8, 5-0) is now undefeated in its last four games. Earlier this week the Cougars took a 5-0 lead into the bottom of the fifth inning at L.A. Mission College before that game was halted due to inclement weather. That contest will continue on Thursday, April 12, prior to COC’s home game vs. the Eagles.

Up next, the Cougars will travel to Victor Valley College on Tuesday, March 20, for a 2:30 p.m. start.

Stay up to date on all this season’s action by following the College of the Canyons Athletic department on social media at @COCathletics on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.