No. 16 Sequoias Softball Sweeps the Week, Moves to 7-1 

Visalia, CA – The No. 16 state-ranked College of the Sequoias softball team (7-1) put together a perfect 4-0 week, sweeping doubleheaders against No. 15 Bakersfield College (2-4) and Lassen College (1-5). The Giants showcased efficient pitching and timely hitting, outscoring their opponents 22-8 over the four games. 

"This was a great week for us," head coach Cori Janelli said. "We faced some tough teams, and I was really pleased with how we handled adversity, especially in our first game against Lassen. Our pitchers set the tone, and our offense found ways to capitalize when we needed it most." 

Game 1: Sequoias 4, Bakersfield 0 (Feb. 4, 12:00 PM) 

The Giants opened the week with a strong pitching performance from Grace Chojnacki (Mission Oak HS), who threw a complete-game shutout, allowing just four hits. 

Emilee Santos (Corcoran HS) led the offense with a two-run double in the second inning, while Madisyn Benedict (Hanford HS) added an RBI single in the fifth. The Giants capitalized on eight walks issued by Bakersfield's pitching staff to secure the victory. 

Game 2: Sequoias 7, Bakersfield 0 (Feb. 4, 2:30 PM) 

Sequoias completed the sweep with a commanding 7-0 win behind a stellar performance from Taylor Hastin (Tulare Union HS). Hastin threw a complete-game shutout, striking out eight and scattering six hits. 

Hastin also led the offense with a pair of solo home runs, driving in three runs. Shelby Somavia (Redwood HS) added a two-run double, and Nayzeth Gonzalez (Hanford HS) contributed an RBI double. 

"We had some great at-bats in that second game," Janelli said. "Taylor [Hastin] was locked in both in the circle and at the plate. When our team is aggressive and confident, we're a tough team to beat." 

Game 1: Sequoias 9, Lassen 8 (Feb. 8, 12:00 PM) 

In a thrilling extra-inning battle, the Giants overcame an early 5-0 deficit to defeat Lassen College 9-8 in eight innings. Somavia was clutch at the plate, driving in two runs with a single in the seventh to help tie the game. 

Isabella Ortega (Dinuba HS) delivered the walk-off hit in the eighth, driving in Madisyn Benedict (Hanford HS) for the game-winning run. Grace Chojnacki went the distance in the circle, striking out 13 batters in the complete-game win. 

"That was a huge character win for us," Janelli noted. "We could have easily let that game slip away, but the fight we showed late was exactly what we want to see from this team." 

Game 2: Sequoias 2, Lassen 0 (Feb. 8, 2:40 PM) 

The Giants capped off the perfect week with a 2-0 shutout over Lassen in the series finale. Hastin once again dominated in the circle, striking out 8 and allowing just 2 hits in the complete-game win. 

Ortega and Elaine Duran (Tulare Western HS) provided the offense needed, each delivering an RBI hit in the third inning. 

"Lassen is a scrappy team, and we had to stay focused to finish strong," Janelli said. "Taylor [Hastin] gave us another incredible outing, and we did just enough offensively to get it done." 

Upcoming Game

Due to inclement weather, College of the Sequoias' next game against Butte College has been moved to Tuesday, February 11, at 2:00 PM. The Giants will look to continue their winning streak and build on their impressive 7-1 start. 

"We've got a long season ahead, but I love the momentum we're building," Janelli added. "This group is playing with confidence, and we're excited to keep pushing forward." 

Follow College of the Sequoias softball all season, along with all of the College of the Sequoias' Athletics at COSGiants.com for updates.