The Cabrillo softball team, 23-8, extended their winning streak to 13 straight games following a 5-1 victory against the College of San Mateo Bulldogs, 29-4, on Tuesday.
Playoffs are just seven games away for the Seahawks – six of which will be played on their home turf.
“I told them just to work on getting ready for playoffs, don’t worry about the win streak, and keep playing our game that we know how to play,” head coach Kristy Rosinger said.
While most opponents play on turf fields, the Seahawks are accustomed to grass which gives home field advantage even more of an edge in knowing which way the ball is likely to bounce.
Tuesday’s win against the College of San Mateo marks the first win against the program in Rosinger’s 13 seasons as Cabrillo’s head coach.
After winning the state championship game last year, the Bulldogs boasted the third highest batting average in the state with .366 behind Palomar and Long Beach.
“They go to the state {championship} every single year; they’re always the team to beat,” Rosinger said. “We got them this year and we’ll see if we can catch them in conference.”
Cabrillo holds a conference record of 8-3 – just behind San Mateo at 9-2.
In both of their two matchups this season, San Mateo winning the other 3-2, sophomore pitcher Alicia Mendez has allowed just five hits each game.
In 17 games starting this year, she has an ERA of 2.34 and 67 strikeouts.
Throughout the season, the Seahawks have battled their opponents and the challenges of limited numbers – playing with a roster of just 11 players – which is enough for only two reserves.
“Overall it’s been okay, we have good team chemistry,” Rosinger said. “The problem is not being able to utilize hitters and runners when we need them, but the girls have stepped up and we’ve been able to get by so far.”
Cabrillo is ranked seventh in the state, and couldn’t have hit their stride at a more opportune time, Rosinger said.
The Seahawks’ double-header against Santa Barbara City College, 16-12, at home on Friday led to two back-to-back wins — further extending their winning streak.
Cabrillo’s defense has been a key factor to their victories; with eight consecutive games of keeping their opponent’s score under three.
It has been a complete team effort with each and every Seahawk giving their all on the field, Rosinger said.
“There’s not one weak spot in my offensive lineup, so that’s really been helping,” she said. “It’s hard to pinpoint one player because they’ve all been doing great things for our program.”