After defeating league leader San Mateo 5-3 Wednesday, the De Anza Dons’ softball team tied San Mateo for the Pacific Coast Conference lead. The Dons came into Thursday’s game against Chabot College with an overall record of 26-8.
“We played pretty good…But we left a lot of runners on base,” said Dons’ Coach Dennis Pennell.
In the first inning the Dons were unable to take an early lead, leaving designated player Breana Romo on second base. In the third inning, the Dons were able to drive in a run, taking the lead 1-0. The Dons stranded runners on second and third.
Starting the fourth inning with two base hits, the Chabot Gladiators had a chance to take the lead from the Dons. With runners on the corners, the Dons’ defense halted Chabot’s charge, preventing the runners from scoring.
A leadoff single in the fifth inning by center fielder Malia Baxter sparked the Dons’ offense. A sacrifice bunt sent Baxter to second, and a wild pitch allowed her to transfer to third base. Romo walked to first putting Dons runners on the corners.
A mistake by the Chabot catcher allowed Romo to take second base. Shortstop Jen Murnin singled in Baxter and Romo, extending the Dons lead to 3-0.
“Megan was awesome,” said assistant coach Bob Taylor. Dunham’s excellent performance was just a small piece of the puzzle that boosted the Dons’ overall record to 27-8 (13-3 league). Murnin had three RBIs in the game, going 1-3 at the plate, including her sacrifice bunt in the third.
“I have a good defense behind me, it gives me confidence on the mound,” said winning pitcher Dunham.
The Dons’ outstanding record has clinched them a playoff berth, but their opponents are still to be determined. The Dons’ excellent season has them ranked in the top 10, for the first time in fifteen years. The Dons are looking forward to the playoffs with two games remaining, and are hoping to advance further, possibly to become state champions.
Their last regular season game will be against San Francisco on Thursday April 27, 3:00 p.m. at De Anza.
