Rothanzl, Chenault Power Hancock to Doubleheader Sweep over LA Pierce

Jessica Rothanzl slugged two home runs and tallied 9 RBI in the opener of a doubleheader against LA Pierce College, while Katie Chenault hit a home run and threw a perfect game in the second game as the Allan Hancock College softball team routed the Brahams 30-0 and 28-0 on Tuesday. Both games in the doubleheader ended after five innings when the eight-run rule took effect.

Hancock ended a three-game losing skid and improved to 5-1 in Western State Conference play and 16-7 overall. The Brahmas, who traveled with the minimum of nine players, dropped to 0-5 in conference and 0-10 for the season.

The Bulldogs stormed out of the gates with 10 runs in the first inning in the opener. Rothanzal, a freshman from Righetti High School, clubbed a three-run home run to cap the scoring the opening frame during which Hancock sent 15 batters to the plate. The Bulldogs erupted for 11 more runs in the second inning, three of which came during Rothanzl's second home run of the game. Hancock added five more on the third and four runs in the fourth inning.

Hancock tallied 30 runs and 24 hits in the opening game and capitalized on eight Pierce errors.

Katie Chenault started the opener and went 3 innings. The freshman recorded eight of the nine outs by way of the strikeout. The Righetti High School graduate started the day with a state-leading 200 strikeouts. Pioneer Valley High School graduate Serena Fernandez pitched the final two innings. She allowed one hits and struck out two.

Also in the opener, Kristine Ramos went 4 for 6 with 5 runs, 5 RBI and two stolen bases. Chenault went 3 for 3 with 5 RBI, Alexa Berryman went 3 for 3 with 3 RBI. Tiana McWhorter, Megan Love and Missy Regalado had two hits apiece.

The second game started much like the first game as the Bulldogs scored 12 runs in the bottom of the first inning sending 16 batters to the plate. Chenault collected a two-run double, Rothanzl added a three-run double and Missy Regalado contributed a two-run triple in the frame. Hancock was held scoreless in the second inning before adding five runs in the third and 11 more in the fourth. Ramos went 5 for 5 with 3 runs and 4 RBI in the second game. The sophomore had nine hits and 9 RBI on the day. Rothanzl added 3 hits, two walks and five more RBI in game two. The freshman finished the day 6 for 8 with 4 walks, 2 home runs, 2 doubles, a triple and 14 RBI.

Chenault went 2 for 3 with one walk to go with a 3-run home run and a double and 5 RBI.  The freshman also faced the minimum 15 batters in the five-inning game. She recorded 14 of the 15 outs via the punch out. Chenault threw 8 total innings and struck out 22 hitters without allowing a hit.

Regalado, Paige Cosand, Denae Garnett and Love had two hits each in the second game. The Bulldogs collected 20 hits in the five-inning rout.

Hancock racked up 58 runs and 44 hits in the two games combined.

The Bulldogs return to action on Tuesday, March 25, when they play a crucial doubleheader at Cuesta College. The Lady Cougars started the week 5-1 in conference and 18-9 overall.