Hancock Loses Regional Opener 3-0 at Santa Ana

Playing its first postseason game in 15 years, the Allan Hancock College softball team dropped a 3-0 decision at Santa Ana to open the best-of-three-game Regional Playoffs on Saturday.

The Bulldogs dropped to 26-14 overall, while Santa Ana, the fifth seed in the Southern California Regional, improved to 33-8 after winning its ninth in a row.

The Western State Conference champion Bulldogs were outhit five to six. Kristine Ramos led Hancock with two hits, while Megan Love singled, walked and stole two bases.

Hancock threatened in the third with two on and one out, but Jessica Rothanzl hit into an inning-ending double play. The Dons took the lead for good in the bottom half in a rally fueled by an error. Katlyn Harvey singled up the middle to score two runs, both of which were unearned.

The Dons added another in the fourth on a two-out single to right field from Danielle Hernandez to make it 3-0. The Bulldogs threatened with two on and nobody out in the sixth, but failed to score.

Katie Chenault threw all six innings for Hancock and dropped to 26-9. She allowed six hits, three runs, one of which was earned, and struck out nine. The freshman All-State pitcher increased her strikeout total to a state-best 364.

Lindsey Esparza earned the win for the Dons with five shutout innings. She improved to 11-3 after scattering four hits and striking out two. Frances Campoy earned her fifth save with two innings of shutout ball. She allowed one hit and fanned three.

The Bulldogs need to win twice on Sunday to advance to the second round. The second game is set for a noon start at Santa Ana, with a third game, if needed, slated for 2 p.m.