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Pirates Secure 2-1 Victory over Mt. San Jacinto

The Orange Coast College Pirates celebrate their victory against Mt. San Jacinto.

News Summary

The Orange Coast College Pirates softball team defeated Mt. San Jacinto College 2-1 on May 3, 2025, propelling them to the 3C2A SoCal Super Regionals. Freshman Kayla Vargas hit a pivotal home run in extra innings, securing the win. Kelsey McNair performed exceptionally as a pitcher, helping to maintain the lead during tense moments. The Pirates’ win demonstrates their resilience and teamwork as they prep to face Saddleback College in upcoming series.

Costa Mesa, CA – The Orange Coast College Pirates softball team secured a vital 2-1 victory over Mt. San Jacinto College on May 3, 2025, allowing them to advance to the 3C2A SoCal Super Regionals. The win was marked by a thrilling go-ahead home run from freshman left fielder Kayla Vargas during extra innings.

The Pirates’ journey to the Super Regionals intensified when Vargas stepped up in the eighth inning, smashing a solo home run that ultimately secured the win for her team. Following the game, Vargas expressed her overwhelming emotions and joy regarding the team’s progression to the next round. Meanwhile, Kelsey McNair, who served as both a pitcher and utility player, managed to maintain composure during critical situations to help close the match in favor of the Pirates.

McNair received significant praise for her performance, particularly her ability to navigate through pressure scenarios, which she attributed to her father’s coaching background. Her experience showed when she replaced starting pitcher Ruby Fidge after the Eagles tied the game in the sixth inning and successfully retired the next three batters in order.

The matchup was a notable pitchers’ duel between Ruby Fidge of the Pirates and Ellianna Pasley from the Eagles. Fidge pitched five innings, allowing just two hits and one earned run before McNair took over. Pasley managed to complete the game for Mt. San Jacinto, pitching a total of eight innings, giving up eight hits while allowing two earned runs.

Scoring began in the fifth inning when sophomore center fielder Reyna Hernandez hit a double, leading to an RBI single from Olivia Pedraza that put the Pirates ahead 1-0. However, the Eagles responded in the sixth inning when Natalie Juarez delivered an RBI single, allowing the Eagles to tie the game after two runners advanced due to a walk and an error.

Despite having the chance to pull ahead in the seventh inning with the bases loaded, the Pirates could not capitalize on the opportunity. They maintained their fighting spirit, which ultimately paid off when Vargas delivered the decisive home run in the eighth inning. Although the Eagles loaded the bases in their half of the eighth via three walks, McNair kept her composure to prevent any runs from scoring, securing the victory with a strikeout and a pop-out.

The Pirates will now advance to face Saddleback College in a three-game series beginning Friday at 2 p.m. at the Pirate Softball Field. The team’s head coach indicated that they are enthusiastic about the upcoming challenge and will regroup to prepare for the critical matches ahead.

This win marks a significant achievement for the Orange Coast College Pirates softball team as they continue in postseason play, showcasing resilience and teamwork throughout the competition.