Catcher Zara Mineo hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the sixth inning to put the game out of reach for Mt. San Antonio, in the Vikings’ win in game two of the 3C2A SoCal Super Regional with a score of 11-7.
In the beginning of the game, the Vikings were down 2-0 due to the first due to Mt. SAC’s Emily Sandoval hit a two-run home run in the first inning.
It wasn’t until the third inning that the Vikings scored due to a wild pitch that allowed center fielder Alesa Gonzalez to score, making the score 2-1.
“We came in both days knowing that it was going to be a hard game. We all knew that it was gonna be head-to-head,” said Mineo.
Mt. SAC would come back to score a run in the fourth inning, when center fielder Isabella Aspeitia homered, making it 3-1.
“I think just us being down to those first few innings and then coming back, it helped us a lot because we fought. We’re a fighting team, we’re dogs. We continue, even though we’re down, we always end up on top,” said Mineo.
The Vikings ignited a flame in the fifth inning, where the Vikings went on to score six runs.
In the fifth, Mineo hit a sacrifice fly out to center field that scored third baseman Michelle Cervantes, making it 3-2.
And then right fielder Lela Asi hit a three-run home run, scoring first baseman Natania Leomiti and second baseman Haleigh Jacobs, making it 5-3.
Despite the rough beginning, the Vikings continued to persevere amidst the struggle and continued to fight with a sense of fire that was seen the rest of the game.
“We realized last game that this is a team that’s not gonna let down, so we have to continue playing at our level. The job’s not finished until it is,” said Asi.
Vikings star starting pitcher Ella Haugo doubled in the fifth inning, scoring shortstop Madison Fao, making it 6-3. Shortly after, Huago was able to score on a passed ball, making it 7-3.
Left fielder Ali Calderon bats during the Vikings’ SoCal Super Regionals game against Mt. San Antonio, where The Vikings won 11-7, becoming the Super Regional champions and advancing to the State championship round. The Vikings will play the championship games at Bakersfield College, against San Joaquin Delta on Thursday at 8 p.m. (Thavarath Ellis)
In the bottom of the sixth inning, Mt. SAC managed to score three runs, making the score 7-6, trying to get closer to Long Beach.
The Vikings continued to have a foot on the gas for the rest of the game.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, Mineo hit a two-run home run, scoring Jacobs and making it 9-6.
Fao advanced to third, and pinch runner Janeva Fletcher would score on a passed ball, making it 10-6.
Haugo reached first due to an error made by Mt. SAC’s third basemen, which led to Fao scoring, making it 11-7.
“I’m so proud of you, thank you for believing in us, thank you for believing in me and thank you for believing in Long Beach City College,” a message given by Coach Megan Martinez for her team before heading to state championships.
The next game for the Vikings will be held at Bakersfield College, where they will play San Joaquin Delta on Thursday at 8 p.m.
Left fielder Ali Calderon bats during the Vikings’ SoCal Super Regionals game against Mt. San Antonio, where The Vikings won 11-7, becoming the Super Regional champions and advancing to the State championship round. The Vikings will play the championship games at Bakersfield College, against San Joaquin Delta on Thursday at 8 p.m. (Thavarath Ellis)
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