NO-NOx2

By Brandon Petersen

Game 1 of Westcliff Softball's double-header with Grace Wednesday at the Great Park, an 8-0 shellacking, couldn't have gone better.

Not only did Madison Mendez throw the third no-hitter in Westcliff history, but she only threw two strikeouts – meaning that not only was she flawless, so was the defense behind her.

"Coming home from our Arizona trip, I had a chance to speak to Maddie about my expectations for her in the circle going into our doubleheader with Grace," Westcliff head coach Brandon Wallace said. "I told her the importance of controlling the game defensively, and if she could do that, our offense would make sure we execute the runs."

Speaking of the other side of the ball?

Mercy me…

Mendez (no walks) ended up getting out of tossing a potentially nail-biting final frame thanks to a mercy-inducing, four-run explosion in the sixth when Sara Ellerton doubled to left plating both Skyler Kestly and Lauren Coppla.

Ellerton scored on Alyssa Patlan's RBI bunt, in which all runners reached after an overthrow.

Kayli Mueller then reached on a fielder's choice and Raegan Chioino scored on another overthrow.

"Offensively, we have been very consistent," Wallace said. "I am so proud of our players and coaching staff for putting in the work because we are seeing great results."

Siana San Vicente plated Chioino in the fifth with a sac flay that made it 4-0.

Chioino got it started in the first with a double to right-center that scored both Coppla and Iyari Ramirez.

Airilin and Iyari Ramirez both finished with a pair of knocks, as did Coppla, and Chioino ended with an epic line: 3-for-4, two runs scored, two more batted in.

Rachel Varela reached on a base hit in the third, then scored when Alyssa Vigil reached on an error.

Game 2, believe it or not, featured Westcliff's second 8-0 no-hitter of the day, and the program's fourth overall.

This time, Mendez, Avery Mytnik (W) and Gianna Carrion combined on the no-no.

Mendez struck out one, and Mytnik whiffed four.

"I told Maddie before (Game 1) that we were going to ride her the whole way," Wallace said. "Her response was, 'I got you, Coach Wallace!' Hats off to her for the no-hitter."

Varela had a double and two RBIs in the nightcap, but Ellerton provided the most smoke, knocking in four of her own.

San Vicente and Iyari Ramirez also had a Game 2 ribbies.

On the paths, Airilin Ramirez (3) Chioino, San Vicente and Mueller had had swiped bags.

"Overall, tonight was executed as expected," Wallace said. "Our coaching staff was on point; we had to make early substitutions to create some momentum and gather some runs.

"We've definitely built some momentum."

Westcliff (5-3) will now gear up for No. 17 Hope International Friday at the Great Park.

First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m.