Giants Sweep Ohlone Behind Explosive Offense
FREMONT, Calif. – College of the Sequoias paired early offensive firepower with steady pitching performances to sweep a nonconference doubleheader at Ohlone on Saturday, February 21, earning a 9-1 run-rule victory in Game 1 before completing the day with a 7-3 win in Game 2.
"We came out aggressive from the first pitch," said head coach Cori Janelli. "Setting the tone early was important, and I thought our hitters did a great job of staying disciplined and passing the baton throughout the lineup."
Sequoias wasted no time in the opener, erupting for five runs in the first inning. Miyah Reeves (Coalinga HS) and Alivea Salcedo (Tulare Western HS) each delivered RBI at-bats in the frame as the Giants capitalized on early scoring opportunities to grab a 5-0 lead. Ohlone answered with a run in the bottom half, but that would be the only damage against Audrina Rodriguez (Woodlake HS).
The Giants added two more runs in the third, highlighted by a triple from Shelby Somavia (Redwood HS) to extend the lead to 7-1. In the fifth, Madisyn Benedict (Hanford HS) and Gabrielle Vasquez (Redwood HS) drove in runs to seal the 9-1 run-rule decision. Sequoias totaled nine hits, drew seven walks and drove in nine runs while playing error-free defense behind Rodriguez, who scattered seven hits over five innings, allowing just one run with three strikeouts.
In the game 2, Sequoias relied on consistent production rather than one big inning. The Giants pushed across single runs in the second and third innings to build a 2-0 advantage. After Ohlone trimmed the margin with a solo home run in the fifth, Sequoias responded with two runs in the top half to stretch the lead to 5-1.
The Giants added another run in the sixth and two insurance runs in the seventh, offsetting a two-run rally by the Renegades in the bottom of the frame to secure the 7-3 victory.
Amanda Herrera (Immanuel HS) went the distance in Game 2, limiting Ohlone to four hits and three runs over seven innings. She walked one and struck out one while receiving strong defensive support as Sequoias committed just one error.
At the plate in Game 2, Salcedo paced the offense with a 3-for-4 performance and an RBI. Reeves added two hits, an RBI and a run scored, while Yarelli Rocha (Arvin HS) contributed two hits and an RBI. The Giants again totaled nine hits and turned disciplined at-bats into steady run production.
"I'm proud of the way we stayed composed," Janelli said. "Game 1 showed what we can do when we jump on teams early, and in Game 2 we showed we can grind and win with balance. That's growth for our group."
Upcoming Games
College of the Sequoias will return home on Tuesday, Feburary 24 to host Bakersfield College in nonconference action, as they will resume from the second inning from February 19 when there was a weather delay. The Giants continue to build momentum as they will begin conference play next week.
Notable Performances
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Audrina Rodriguez (Woodlake HS): 5.0 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 3 K (Game 1 Win)
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Amanda Herrera (Immanuel HS): 7.0 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 1 K (Game 2 Win)
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Alivea Salcedo (Tulare Western HS): 3-for-4, RBI (Game 2)
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Miyah Reeves (Coalinga HS): Multi-hit day, 2 RBI (DH)
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Shelby Somavia (Redwood HS): Triple, RBI (Game 1)
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Madisyn Benedict (Hanford HS): Multi-hit Game 1, RBI
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Yarelli Rocha (Arvin HS): 2-for-4, RBI (Game 2)**
