Perfect start for Lancers’ softball

Freshman short stop Anais Sustayta bunts for a base hit during PCC's victory over the Santa Monica Coursairs, Friday, January 30, 2015. The Lady Lancers would go on to score 12 runs in the game. (Max Zeronian/Courier) — Freshman short stop Anais Sustayta bunts for a base hit during PCC’s victory over the Santa Monica Coursairs, Friday, January 30, 2015. The Lady Lancers would go on to score 12 runs in the game. (Max Zeronian/Courier)

The Lancers rattled off five wins over the span of two days on their way to a first place finish in the Glendale Tournament this past weekend.

Head coach Monica Tantlinger, in what will be her second season as head coach, has the Lancers’ softball program off to its best start (6-0) since 2006.

The bats provided enough firepower to glide through the first four games of the tournament without much trouble, with the closest margin of victory being four runs against GateWay.

“We worked out some kinks, but our offensive helped with that,” said Tantlinger. “It gave us some room for error.”

The long ball has been very friendly to PCC, as the Lancers have already recorded 10 home runs over their first six games, just one shy of the single season record at PCC. Sophomore second baseman Justine Zavala slugged four home runs over the weekend. As the lead-off batter, Zavala has done an incredible job setting the tone for the rest of the offense, Tantlinger added. Six Lancers have at least one home run on the season.

“I’m very proud of my teammates and excited for the rest of the season,” said Zavala.

The pitching staff has also been strong. They have not been overpowering, but they have put the team in a position to win each game, explained Tantlinger.

In the championship game, the Lancers trailed 2-0 after three innings against Antelope Valley College. Sophomore pinch hitter Jennifer Pegg stepped up with a clutch three-run triple, and Zavala punched through another RBI single to give the Lancers a 5-2 advantage. Sophomore pitcher Cierra Newton picked up her second save with two strong innings of relief to secure the tournament championship.

“If we want it bad enough, and we are willing to make the sacrifices, then we can do anything,” said Newton after the come from behind win. “But, first we have to believe… and we believe!”

PCC’s team motto is to “turn some heads,” said Tantlinger. They will look to continue to do just that in their home opener on Tuesday at 2 p.m. against Moorepark College.