Mustangs Ride it Out

With the score tied 2-2 in the bottom of the sixth inning of Mira Costa's softball game against Marymount on Thursday, junior Chloe Krasnoff stepped up to the plate with a runner on third and one out.

On the first pitch, Krasnoff laid down a running bunt single that scored sophomore Katie Saunders, who tripled earlier in the game. And the Mustangs (1-0) held on, beating Marymount (3-3) 3-2 in a tightly contested game.

"It was a push bunt," said head coach Dick Ambernik. "It was perfectly executed and in the right situation. Only a couple of our girls know how to do it and [Krasnoff] is one of them."

Mustangs starting pitcher senior Daryl Kirby was very effective, throwing  a complete game, striking out three, walking two, and giving up one earned run on six hits.

"Daryl pitched very well; she battled," Ambernik said. "She walked a couple of batters and lost her composure for a little bit, but she battled back and finished the game."

The Mustangs got their first two runs in the third inning. With one out, senior Amanda Gard singled and then stole second. After Sabrina Stewart popped out for the second out, senior Jonele Conceicao came up and singled to bring in Gard. Once Conceicao advanced to third on the throw home, sophomore Stefanni Lajeunesse came up and slugged a triple to center field that brought in the second run.

Marymount responded by scoring one run in the fifth and one run in the sixth. That set the table for Krasnoff's surprise push bunt single.

"That was the key to the game," Ambernik said. "We have won many games here like that and it worked again."

Krasnoff finished the game one for three with an RBI. Saunders was one for three with a run scored, and Gard was two for three with a stolen base and a run scored. Lajeunsse contributed a triple and an RBI in three at bats.

The Mustangs resume play Saturday in the Cypress tournament.

"It was good to get the season started with a win," Ambernik said. "We practice tomorrow and that will get these girls out here practicing with enthusiasm so we can be ready for our next game."