Softball raises breast cancer awareness
Justin Cligari
On April 7, Mesa Community College’s softball team took on Gateway Community College and breast cancer awareness, selling pink T-shirts at the game to support a local breast cancer research center. In the first of two games of the doubleheader, the Thunderbirds displayed their offensive capabilities by scoring five runs in the first inning.
The same results occurred in the second inning as the Lady Thunderbirds took a 10-1 lead by scoring an additional five runs.
After the game, coach Jon Malgradi was asked what led to the team’s success in the first two innings.
“(We had) aggressive discipline in the strike zone, walks and ran bases well,” Malgradi said.
When asked what contributed the most to this victory, Malgradi said, “Good overall aggressiveness offensive supplemental to each of the offense.”
The Lady Thunderbirds capitalized on every hit, error and walk given to them by the Gateway Geckos.
“Physically or mentally we have to capitalize on errors and mistakes,” Malgradi said.
Pitcher Kayla Lawrence gave a successful performance, allowing only one run and only one hit.
Freshmen pitcher Kayla Lawrence commented on the game.
“(We) played as a team, came out with a lot of heart, played to win and not to lose,” she said.
“(We) worked as a team, played and hit with a lot of heart, and never let up,” said freshmen Ashley Eichenberger.
Earning her own honors, pitcher Shannon Dukes was named ACCAC Pitcher of the Week for the week of March 23 and maintains an ERA of 1.96 over the course of 118 innings pitched.
Sara Sandoval currently has the third highest batting average in the entire conference of .516.
