The Fullerton College softball team allowed three earned runs in the final inning in a 5-3 losing effort to visiting Cerritos College on Tuesday.

A slow build up didn’t stop the fireworks for both teams late in the game. The Lady Hornets held a 3-2 lead heading into the seventh-inning when they surrendered a two out double with two runners on base. Kimberly Olivas and Jenny Callazo were able to score and grab a 4-3 lead for the visiting Falcons.

The Falcons were able to add another run in the inning and took a 5-3 lead heading to the bottom of the seventh-inning.

The Hornets were unable to answer in the bottom of the inning and took the loss.

“I am frustrated because I know we’re a good ball club and I feel like we didn’t execute which let them back into the game and it cost us,” said head coach Marian Mendoza.

After five scoreless innings the Falcons broke the deadlock with three doubles in the inning which helped them grab a 2-0 lead.

Fullerton responded that inning with three runs of their own. With runners on the corners, designated player Erin Molina hit a base clearing double to left field. Later in the inning Rebecca Perez hit a double of her own bringing in pinch runner Janelle Carbajal for the hornet’s final run of the game.

Lady Hornet starting pitcher Brigid Ruiz had a strong performance in the circle despite the losing effort. After allowing the first two batters of the game to get on base, Ruiz retired the next seven batters she faced. Ruiz finished with six strike outs before being pulled in the seventh-inning.

“I was hitting my spots early but at the end I wasn’t hitting them like I should,” said Ruiz. “Our team has a good outlook going forward towards the rest of the season and conference.”

Fullerton (2-4) looks to bounce back on the road against El Camino College (6-2) Friday at noon. The next home game is against Golden West College Feb. 17th at 3:00 p.m.