The Moorpark College Raider softball team defeated the Los Angeles Pierce College Brahmas in both games of a double header at home on Thursday, April 19 by scores of 11-3 and 7-1.

The Raiders opened the first game with a run in the first inning and never looked back, as they held the lead through the whole game.

They finished strong with two amazing hits. The first hit by Paige Harley scored Marti Lewis. The second hit by Nicole Echterling scored Sammy Whiteside to close the game.

The Raiders opened the second game just as strong as the first, this time with two aggressive plays that gave them two runs in the first inning. A hit by Faylan Lee sent Amanda Chatman home. Another hit by Heaven Siveira sent Taylor Cartwright home.  The Raiders drove in four more runs in the bottom of the third inning. The Raiders scored again in the fifth inning when Lee drove Echterling home for the final run.

“We have been working really hard at practice these past few weeks and progressively getting better,” said Cartwright.

The Raiders have improved their technique since the first game of the season when they started with a lot of errors. This game they had zero.

Head Coach Dave Fox has stayed positive throughout the whole season. 

“We had better pitching today, no errors, and they were more aggressive with their bats today,” said Fox.

The Raiders did not make it to the playoffs this season, but have a really good attitude towards the position they finished in.  The all-freshman team finished third in the Western State Conference with an 11-7 record.

“Our goal was to finish up in the third spot, after coming out of last place, and having the chance to make playoffs. I’m proud of our team,” said Fox.

Visit the Moorpark College Athletics website for more information on the Lady Raider’s Softball schedule and roster, moorparkcollegeathletics.com

Raider Marti Lewis during the game against the Pierce Brahmas on Thursday, April 19, 2012 at Moorpark College. The Raiders won the game 7-1. (Jeffrey Farrar)

Raider Nicole Ecterling during the game against the Pierce Brahmas on Thursday, April 19, 2012 at Moorpark College. The Raiders won the game 7-1. (Jeffrey Farrar)

Raider Taylor Cartwright during the game against the Pierce Brahmas on Thursday, April 19, 2012 at Moorpark College. The Raiders won the game 7-1. (Jeffrey Farrar)