Softball Opens Season with Pair of Blowout Wins

GLENDORA, Calif. --- El Camino College came out swinging to open the 2025 regular season, scoring a pair of blowout victories against Southwestern and Citrus on Friday at Citrus College.

WARRIORS 10, SOUTHWESTERN 1 (5 INNINGS)

The Warriors wasted no time as they scored four times in the opening frame and then added four more runs in the second inning to essentially put the game away. They would score twice in the third to finish off their offensive output for the game.

Savanna Kastigar had an outstanding debut as the freshman went 3-for-3 with two home runs and three RBI. Overall, the Warriors pounded out 12 hits on the day, which was more than enough for pitchers Lexi Ramirez and Mahlia Espino.

Ramirez went three scoreless innings and fanned four batters while allowing just two hits. Espino closed out the win, allowing one run on three hits with two walks and one strikeout.

WARRIORS 10, CITRUS 0

In the final game of the day, the Warriors erupted for six runs in the seventh inning to turn a closer game into another rout. Emma Garcia was 3-for-4 with a double, two RBI and two runs scored while Kastigar was 2-for-4 with and double, two runs scored and one RBI.

Ramirez was the story in the circle as she tossed a complete-game shutout, striking out 10 batters while scattering three hits.

With the win, Warriors head coach Jessica Rapoza notched her 399^th career victory in 14 seasons of coaching. Rapoza recorded 135 wins in five years as head coach at Santa Ana College and has now logged 264 wins since taking over as head coach of the Warriors in 2015.

The Warriors will look to notch win No. 400 for Rapoza on Thursday when they host L.A. Mission at the ECC Softball Field. First pitch is set for 2:30 p.m.