No. 7 LBCC Softball Shuts Out Rio Hondo in Dominant 18-0 Victory

The state-ranked No. 7 Long Beach City College softball team delivered a commanding 18-0 shutout win over Rio Hondo College in a five-inning South Coast Conference matchup on Thursday afternoon.

The Vikings wasted no time, scoring five runs in the first inning, highlighted by a three-run triple from shortstop Jaela Ruiz. They continued their offensive surge with three more runs in the second, including a two-run double by catcher Zara Mineo.

The Vikings exploded for seven runs in the third inning, led by a two-run homer from first baseman Anaya Togia and a three-run triple from pinch hitter Vai Paniani. Pinch hitter Lela Asi capped off the rally with an RBI triple, extending the lead to 16-0. The Vikings added two more runs in the fourth inning to secure the mercy-rule victory, with Julissa Montes contributing an RBI single and later scoring on a wild pitch.

The Vikings' pitching staff was equally dominant, with Adalise Valenzuela (W, 7-0) earning the win after allowing just one hit and striking out one in two innings. Mariah Zapata followed with two perfect innings, striking out three, while Michelle Blas closed out the game, allowing just one hit and striking out one in the final inning.

 The Vikings return to action on Friday, March 14, for the Celebrate Women's History Month Game, hosting Cerritos College at 1 p.m.