Softball Recap: Aliso Niguel Triumphs

Aliso Niguel proved they can win big on Saturday (they won by nine) and on Saturday they proved they can win the close ones too. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 3-1 win over the Brea Olinda Wildcats.

Amanda Elkins tossed a big game, pitching six innings while giving up just one earned run off four hits. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in eight consecutive appearances.

At the plate, Aliso Niguel let Ella Haugo and Tessa Cowsill run wild. Haugo went a perfect 2-for-2 with two doubles and two RBI, while Cowsill went 1-for-2 with one home run. Another player making a difference was Lindsey Hubbard, who scored a run and stole a base while going 1-for-2.

Aliso Niguel has been performing well recently as they've won five of their last six games. That's provided a nice bump to their 10-5-1 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.0 runs on average over those games. Brea Olinda's defeat dropped their record down to 5-3.

Aliso Niguel and Brea Olinda should be looking forward to their upcoming games as both have a sizable advantage in the MaxPreps California Rankings. Aliso Niguel (ranked 71st) will meet Mission Viejo (ranked 291st) at 4:00 p.m. on April 1. Meanwhile, Brea Olinda will challenge Crean Lutheran at 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday up 539 places (90 vs. 629).