Cerritos College jumped out to an early lead but couldn't hold off a big third inning from Long Beach City, falling 6-2 in conference action.
The Falcons struck first in the bottom of the second inning, capitalizing on patience at the plate. Carissa Amaya and Amarie Encarnacion each worked walks to set the table before Alyssa Avila delivered an RBI single to center. Moments later, Marley Cortez followed with a run-scoring single to left, giving Cerritos a 2-0 advantage.
Long Beach City responded in the top of the third, taking advantage of miscues to swing the momentum. After loading the bases, the Vikings pushed across their first run on a hit-by-pitch before Michelle Cervantes cleared the bases with a three-run double to put Long Beach in front, 4-2. A sacrifice fly later in the inning extended the lead to 5-2. Long Beach City added an insurance run in the sixth inning to account for the final margin.
The Falcons threatened throughout the contest, drawing six walks and collecting seven hits, but stranded 11 runners on base. Avila and Marley Cortez each recorded two hits and drove in a run, while Bella Salas added a pair of hits of her own.
In the circle, Tatyana Cortez (9-5) took the loss, allowing five runs (two earned) over 2.1 innings. Mia Star Miramontes provided solid relief, tossing 4.2 innings while surrendering just one unearned run and striking out four.
