The Hornets softball team dropped their second consecutive conference game in a 7-0 loss to Santiago Canyon College Friday March 13.

After giving up one run in the first inning, Hornets starting pitcher Brigid Ruiz pitched a dominant four innings. However, the offense couldn’t find their rhythm against SCC starting pitcher, Stephanie Pelletier.

Pelletier, who was late to warm-ups because of an MRI for pain in her shoulder, was a game time decision to play. This was a big decision for head coach, Lisa Camarco as both teams were tied in conference standings and battling for fourth place.

Her performance did not indicate any shoulder problems as she pitched a scoreless first four innings.

“She’s been our go-to in big games, and we consider this a big game,” said Doug Aiken, SCC assistant coach.

With an SCC 1-0 lead headed into the top of fifth inning, the Hawks found some momentum at the batter’s box. With the bases loaded and two outs, it was infielder Brittney Howe’s chance to bust the game open. In a ten-pitch battle, Howe got the best of Ruiz on a full-count base hit to drive in two runs.

The next batter for the Hawks and catcher, Madison Smith, hit a triple down the first base line to bring in two more. SCC was not done yet, and they drove in one more run to continue the two-out rally and cap off a six run fifth inning.

The Hornets couldn’t respond to the big inning by SCC, and Pelletier went on to throw a complete game shutout.

“We always know we are going to get a solid performance from her, and today we were able to back her up with the bats which was huge,” Aiken said of Pelletier.

SCC was able to score one more run in the sixth off of Hornets reliever Nicole Pratt, which led to the final score of 7-0.

The Hornets look to bounce back on Tuesday as they travel to play San Bernardino. They will face the Hawks again on April 6. The Hornets are now sitting on a 4-5 conference record in fifth place, but still have twelve conference games remaining to climb their way to the top of the standings.