BROOMS

By Brandon Petersen

Westcliff Softball picked up its first sweep Saturday in Fullerton, beating twice Nelson University–Arizona in a doubleheader behind timely hitting, disciplined adjustments, and dominant pitching performances that showed both resilience and depth across the roster.

The Warriors claimed a 5–3 victory in Game 1 before rolling to an 8–0 shutout in Game 2, giving head coach Brandon Wallace's squad an early-season two-step fueled by execution and adaptability.

Game 1 tested Westcliff's composure early.

After jumping out to a three-run lead in the first inning, sparked by Alyssa Lopez's three-run double to right center, the Warriors were forced to respond as Nelson chipped away with two unearned runs in the second and another run in the sixth to pull within one.

Wallace emphasized fundamentals and plate adjustments throughout the tight contest, and the Warriors answered with disciplined situational play.

Rachel Varela delivered a sacrifice bunt RBI in the fifth to extend the lead, while Justice Reese added a sacrifice fly in the sixth to provide crucial insurance.

In the circle, Madison Mendez set the tone early before Nadia Carillo stepped in and secured the win, allowing just one earned run across four innings to close the door. The pitching staff's ability to limit damage and maintain composure proved critical in a game that remained within reach throughout.

"I basically told them that we need to make sure that we're fundamentally sound right now," Wallace said. "We're second-guessing pitches. We're not adjusting with the pitch. I didn't think the pitching was overpowering us — it was just making adjustments at the plate. I thought they did all right just to get us the W."

Those adjustments became even more evident in Game 2.

Westcliff controlled the second game from the opening frames, combining aggressive baserunning, timely power, and efficient pitching in an 8–0 victory.

Varela opened the scoring with an RBI double in the second inning before Mendez extended the lead with a two-run double in the third.

Reese provided the knockout blow in the fourth inning, launching a three-run homer that pushed the advantage to seven runs and effectively sealed the contest.

Alyssa Patlan and Jessica Guillen added key hits as the Warriors capitalized on defensive miscues by Nelson while continuing to apply pressure offensively.

Meanwhile, the pitching staff delivered a dominant collective effort. Jolene Miramontes worked four scoreless innings before Cecelia Hogel closed the game with two shutout frames, limiting Nelson to just three hits while keeping traffic off the bases.

Wallace credited the team's preparation and willingness to adapt — particularly with the use of multiple pitchers — as a key factor in the sweep.

"It's nothing that we haven't planned for," Wallace said. "Our practices, we've been doing rotations in our scrimmages just to get a feel for who matches up best. We had a game plan to use all four pitchers, and we were able to make adjustments early. Once we did that, everyone came in and did their part and controlled the ball game for us."

The sweep marks a strong start for a Westcliff team integrating new players while establishing identity early in the season — one built on depth, discipline, and the ability to respond under pressure.

Today, the Warriors are battling No. 1 Southern Oregon, again at Fullerton College. As of press time, the Dubs are down just one run, 4-3, in the bottom of the sixth.