Redondo Union Keeps Pace in Bay League

Alexandra O'Hagen settled in after allowing two early runs and Redondo Union High came back to take a 5-2 Bay League victory on Friday from rival Mira Costa.

With the victory the Sea Hawks are 7-13, but three of those victories have come in league play, putting into a tie for first place with Palos Verdes.

"We play a tough schedule and it gets the girls prepared for league play," Coach Jennifer Dessert said. "We've had ups and downs so far, but these girls can see their potential and they are getting better as the season goes on."

Friday, the Sea Hawks got better as the night went on. 

In the first inning Mira Costa started the game with a double and two singles, but O'Hagen was able to limit the damage. Redondo turned a ground ball into an out at the plate and O'Hagen got out of the inning when Amanda Gard hit into a double play – the only run crossing the plate when the senior right-hander was called for an illegal pitch.

The Mustangs had three more hits against O'Hagen in the second inning, but again we able to push only one run across the plate.

Trailing 2-0, the Sea Hawks got their bats going in the third inning. Maiya Tallakson walked, and advanced to second on a sacrifice by Jessyca Kamel. Two batters later, Cindy Zamubio would double to score Tallakson. Linda Park would even up the score at 2 with a double, driving in Zamubio. 

"Getting to a tie in the third inning really refreshed the team I think," Dessert said.  "Their spirits were up and they started swinging the bats better and playing more relaxed."

After a scoreless fourth, Jillian Mattor would collect the second of her three hits on the night with a single. She advanced to third on a Park single, and scored on single by O'Hagen. Park scored after a Mira Costa errant throw over third base.

Brett Aspel hit her first home run of the season in the fifth, a drive to center field that landed just over the fence and gave the Sea Hawks a 5-2 lead.

That was all the scoring O'Hagan would need, as she would allow just three hits in the final five innings of her complete game victory. O'Hagan struck out three Mira Costa batters on the night, and credited her defense with solid play behind her.

"We really got going when the batters started getting hits. It just gives you more confidence and enthusiasm," O'Hagan said.  "Hitting carries over to everything and it makes everyone sharper. The defense did a great job and Sonja [Colavita] was just excellent behind the plate for me."

Mattor led the Sea Hawks' attack with three hits and Park had two hits, a stolen base and a RBI.

"The spirit was up and we fought through a slow start," Colavita said. "I'm looking forward to playing like this. Our energy was there from everyone and that's what we need and it showed with our play on the field."