Monarchs only put up one run after chasing nine

Valley was mercy ruled for their third straight game in conference play.

By Nicholas Orozco, Sports Editor

Sophomore Monarch pitcher Jessica Lopez throws a pitch to LA Mission Eagles batter in the fifth inning while the Monarchs are losing. Valley would lose the matchup via mercy rule 10-1 on Tuesday March 7th 2023. (Nicholas Orozco | Valley Star)

With defensive and offensive mistakes, the Valley College Monarchs could not shut down Mission College Eagles offense, losing 10-1.

Valley (2-15, 0-4 WSC) hosted Mission (10-5, 3-2 WSC) on Tuesday and were mercy ruled for the third consecutive time in conference.

Sophomore Isabel Ward would get the start on the rubber for Valley. Ward pitched three innings and was relieved by sophomore Jessica Lopez who would pitch the remaining two innings prior to the called game.

The Eagles put up two runs in the first inning from a two-run home run, rallied together three runs on three hits and put up five runs in the fifth from five hits.

With defensive errors in the outfield, allowed Mission’s offense to overpower Valley.

The Monarchs scored their only run in the third on a ground ball to the right side from freshman Azcuena Villalta that scored freshman Aleenah Castanon.

“I think they have become nervous, it messes with them, they’ve come a long way,” said head coach Andrea Contreras. “We’ve competed before and can compete again.”