The MSJC softball team won a thrilling opening round game in the 2025 3C2A softball playoffs as they defeated Moorpark 6-5 in nine innings.
The Eagles took an early lead in the contest as they scored single runs in the second and third innings to go ahead 2-0. MSJC scored an unearned run in the bottom of the second and then an RBI single from Natalie Juarez extended the lead in the third. The Raiders would answer with single runs of their own in the fourth, fifth, and sixth the go ahead 3-2.
The back-and-forth game saw the Eagles retake the lead in the bottom of the sixth when Hayley Gano hit a two-run single to right field giving MSJC a 4-3 lead heading into the seventh. The drama was not close to over however as Moorpark again rallied in the top of the seventh to score two runs and retake the lead. The Eagles were down to their final out in the bottom of the seventh when Laila Andrade came through with a huge two-out single to score Annalie Castanon and send the game into extra innings tied at five a piece.
Both teams got runners into scoring position in the eighth inning, but neither team could push across a run. Moorpark again was kept off the scoreboard in the top of the ninth setting up the dramatic finish. In the bottom of the ninth Brooke Schaffer led off with a walk. She advanced to second when Andrade singled up the middle. Aubrey Morrow then came to the plate and delivered the game winning single down the left field line that scored Akaysia Lewis who had entered the game as a pinch runner for Schaffer.
The Eagles received solid pitching performances from both starter Ellianna Pasley and reliever Trinity Robinson as they allowed just one earned run. MSJC survived the game despite making a season-high seven errors. Robinson earned the win in the circle as she threw four innings allowing just the one earned run on three hits and striking out three. Bailey Heuer, Gano, Andrade, and Morrow each had two hits in the victory.
MSJC now advances in the Regional to take on top seeded Orange Coast in a three-game series at Orange Coast beginning on Friday. The Eagles and the Pirates will play game one of the series on Friday at 2 pm. Game two will be at noon on Saturday with game three to follow at approximately 2 pm if necessary.
Tickets and parking for the weekend can be purchased at the links below: Ticket Prices are set by the 3C2A. Parking passes will only be required on Friday.