Photo by College of the Redwoods Athletics

The Corsairs are beginning to find their way on the softball fields, with two of their best performances of the season at Mendocino on Friday.

The College of the Redwoods women came out on fire and took the opening game 8-7, before game two was called after six innings because of darkness with the score tied 6-6.

“Today the girls play with excitement, together and for the love of the game,” said head coach Megan Valente, whose team is now unbeaten in three of its last four games after opening the season 0-8. “It was fun to watch them come together as a team and play to their ability.”

Sadie Hampton and Samantha Caughie each had a big day at the plate with multiple hits in both games, while Kyla Pontoni finished 3-for-4 in the opener with two RBIs and hit her first ever collegiate home run with a rocket over left fence to help key the offense.

The Corsairs came out strong and plated runs in each of the first four innings to lead 8-1 in the opener, and they were able to hold on after that.

Kylee Dewey got her second win of the season in the circle, striking out three and allowing 10 hits and no walks, while former Arcata standout Makayla Bernald pitched well for Mendocino, finishing with four strikeouts and allowing 12 hits and three walks.

Hampton finished with five hits on the day, including a triple and a double, while Caughie had four hits, including three doubles.

The team also welcomed back Nas-Che-Wen Hunsucker and the former Hoopa standout had an immediate impact, hitting successfully in both games, including going 2-for-4 in the opener with a double, an RBI and a run.

Ashley Ballew also had three hits on the day, while Brooke Faraimo had a hit in each game.

“I strongly believe we have a chance to compete for the GVC,” Valente said. “We have a great group of talented athletes.”

The Corsairs improved to 2-9-1 on the season and are scheduled two play two games at San Jose on Saturday.