The Park University Gilbert softball team played their first home conference games on Thursday afternoon in Chandler, Ariz. For the third time in as many conference doubleheaders, they split the games with Marymount California by scores of 9-2 and 2-1, respectively.
Game 1- Marymount California 9, Park Gilbert 2
The Buccaneers were dominated in game one by the Mariners' starting pitcher, Annalisa Panuco. Her perfect game was snapped with two outs in the fourth inning, when Destinee Alvarez reached on an error by the left fielder. Still, she maintained a no-hitter until the fifth inning when Zofia Corral snapped it with a single.
Meanwhile, the Mariners got to the Bucs' starting pitcher, Aubrey Bartlet and the defense early. In each of the first two innings, Bartlet walked a batter before an error put two on the bases. It created difficult situations for the sophomore making her second start, as four unearned runs got across with her in the circle.
Down 4-0 and still being one-hit, the Buccaneers chipped away at the Mariners' lead in the sixth inning. With two runners in scoring position, Destinee Alvarez ripped a double to right field that scored Nadia Gutierrez. After singling to get on, Tristin Jamar scored when Haley Basye reached via an error. Both runs were unearned because the rallies started with Mariners' errors.
With an inning left to play, the Buccaneers faced a two-run deficit and brought in relief pitcher Jessica Mendoza with the hope that she could keep the Mariners at bay. Instead, the Mariners caught fire and put up five runs in the seventh inning to ice the game in their favor.
Game 2- Park Gilbert 2, Marymount California 1
In game two, it was the Buccaneers' ace, Gabby Vallee, who put on a shut down performance, but it came with some adversity. In each of the first two innings, she allowed two runners on, but was able to work out of both jams without allowing the Mariners to score.
After that, Vallee buckled down and only allowed one more hit the rest of the game. One run got across in the third inning, but the Buccaneers' offense was able to eke out two to secure the victory for the team and for Vallee.
The first Buccaneers run scored when Alvarez singled and Raylissa Garcia drove her home with an RBI double to left field. Then in the fourth inning, Abril Nerey hit a leadoff double and scored when Jamar smacked a triple.
Jamar finished the game 2-3 with a triple and RBI, while Nerey went 2-3 with a run. With the split, the Buccaneers moved to 5-11 and 3-3 in Cal Pac play.
What's Next: The Buccaneers finish up their series with Marymount California with another doubleheader tomorrow. It is scheduled to start at 12 p.m. at Chandler-Gilbert Community College's softball field in Chandler, Ariz.
