MARAUDER SOFTBALL PUTS UP RIDICULOUS NUMBERS, RECORDS AND WINDOWS BROKEN

Photo by Bruce Jacobsen

LANCASTER - Twenty-five runs scored, 24 RBI, 21 hits, five home runs, two grand slams, three doubles, two triples and one shattered window.

The only thing that was left out was a partridge in a pear tree. Well, maybe next time.

You never know with this year's Marauder softball team.

Against Oxnard College on Thursday, it showed why it could potentially be one of the deadliest offenses in the state, as it put up numbers you might only see in a vidoe game with an impressive 25-6 victory over the visiting Condors at Marauder Stadium.

"The bats were definitely alive today. Paige (Johnson) and Dolly (Stevens) were incredible," AVC head coach Cindy Vargas said. "I'm hoping we can continue to hit the ball, keep pitching well and tighten up the defense."

So where do we start?

Well, Johnson finished the game with 10 RBI-a school record. She hit two grand slams in the game-a school record. And to top it off, she hit for the cycle-a school record. She was 5-for-5 on the game with five runs scored.

One of her home runs broke and apartment window. It's unclear if that's a school record.

"I was rounding first base and I heard a smash and their shortstop told me I broke a window and I was just wondering if I had to pay for that," Johnson said, smiling. "But we all put or bats together today. I, honestly, couldn't have done that if the girls didn't get on base. It was a total team effort. I hope our sticks will continue to stay alive."

Oh, don't forget about Stevens, who blasted three home runs in consecutive at bats, which was another school record. Former slugger and current Team Mexico superstar Adriana Perez hit two home runs in a game eight different time, but never three.

"It's the best feeling to make solid contact with the ball and to be able to contribute to the team," said Stevens, who contributed with six RBI and four runs scored. "The team is looking really good. Our pitchers have been doing really well. We just need to make sure the defense backs them up. I'm super proud of the girls. It's a great feeling knowing that the entire line up can hit the ball."

Five different players had multiple hits for the Marauders (4-2), whose only two losses came against No. 7 Mt. SAC and No. 3 Cypress College. AVC exploded for 12 runs in the first inning, roughing up Oxnard's (0-2) starting pitcher Alixx Padilla, who lasted only 1/3 of an inning while allowing 12 runs and eight hits.

"It felt really good up there," Johnson said. "I was just thinking drive the ball. This was a good victory coming off the Cypress game."

AVC ranks in the top 10 in runs scored, hits, doubles, home runs and lead the state in RBI (52).

Joining the hit parade for the Marauders was Valerie Dorantes, who had two hits, four RBI and four runs scored and Krystan Cook, who also had two hits and two runs scored.