PANTHERS HOLD ONTO #1 SPOT WITH SPLIT AT VALLEY

The Panthers are in the final weeks of the 2022 season and faced off against San Bernardino Valley Friday in a conference doubleheader.  Weeks ago, SBVC delivered the Panthers' sole IEAC loss with a homefield shutout.

Friday in game 1 the Panthers were able to avenge the loss with a 3-1 win.  "Violet Salazar pitched a gem, scatting five hits and striking out six," said Head Coach Jerry Tivey.  "After the leadoff batter scored on a groundout in the first inning, she shut the door. At the plate she was 2-4, scoring the tying run in the fifth inning on a Marisa Marquez RBI single. Following another pinch hit by Ginger Duncan, Lorissa Avila drove a double to the gap, plating two more runs to finish off the Wolverines." With the win, Chaffey clinched a playoff berth.

"Violet really pitched well in a crucial win for us. Marisa, Ginger, and Lorissa all had big hits that we needed today."

By game 2, the tables again turned in Valley's favor.  "There were few bright spots in game two," Tivey continues.  "As the Panther bats were nearly silent. Violet Salazar and Clarissa Banuelos each hit doubles but that was about all."  Chaffey fell 8-0.  "We just didn't make really good contact in the second game. We were flat and it showed. Hopefully, we'll bounce back next week in our final three conference games."

The Panthers are Wednesday at Barstow and then host Desert Thursday for their final regular season home appearance.  The regular season will finish out next week with a trip to Santa Monica.  Playoffs will begin the beginning of May.