The Moorpark College Raiders softball team defeated the Santa Barbara City College Vaqueros 2-1 and 11-3 respectively to sweep a double header on April 18. 

In the first of two afternoon games, the Raiders were able to shut down the Vaqueros for the majority of the game, only allowing a single run through seven innings. Offensively, the Raiders picked up runs in the first and second innings to secure game one of the double header with the 2-1 victory.

In the second game, the Raiders scored 11 runs and held the Vaqueros to only three, resulting in the early end of the ball game at the end of four and a half innings by mercy rule. Heaven Silveira, who was recently named the Western State Conference  Player of the Week, hit a three-run home run in the third inning to get the Raiders on the board, leading the way for their comeback effort after trailing by three runs after two innings.

Silveira said that she was focused in on the pitch that she hit over the left field wall.

“I was just trying to hit the pitch and score for my team,” said Silveira. “If I can at least score one runner so that there’s less pressure on us, it’s a bonus.”

The Raiders have a 21-12-1 overall record on the season and sit near the top of the Western State Conference tied with Ventura College for first place in the conference.

Head Coach Dave Fox has been impressed with the depth and overall improvement of the team throughout the season.

“We have sixteen really good athletes,” said Fox. “From last year to this year, we just have a lot more depth and pitching. We have four pitchers, three catchers and a lot more talent.”

The Raiders next game will be at home on Tuesday, April 23 at 2:30 p.m. when they will take on the L.A Pierce Brahma Bulls in a game that could potentially have a very significant impact on their standing in the conference because with a win, they could claim first place in the conference.