SR. DAY SWEEP

By Brandon Petersen

Senior Day tested Westcliff early.

Then the Warriors responded the way they have all season — together.

Westcliff rallied in Game 1 before pulling away late for a 13-5 win, then returned in Game 2 with a composed, complete performance to secure a 7-0 sweep of La Sierra at the OC Great Park Friday.

The doubleheader showcased both sides of the Warriors — resilience under pressure and control when the moment demanded it — while highlighting a senior class that delivered across the board.

Game 1 did not come easily.

After taking a 5-1 lead in the second inning behind a two-run home run from Sara Ellerton and a two-run triple from Justice Reese, Westcliff saw La Sierra respond with four runs across the third and fifth innings to tie the game at 5-5.

The Warriors answered immediately.

Ellerton delivered again in the fifth with an RBI double to reclaim the lead, and Westcliff broke the game open in the sixth, scoring seven runs to put it away. Alyssa Patlan and Emma Avelar each delivered key hits in the inning, while the lineup as a whole applied constant pressure.

Ellerton finished 3-for-4 with a home run, a double and three RBIs, while Patlan added three hits and two RBIs in the win.

Head coach Brandon Wallace credited the group effort, particularly from his seniors.

"Across the board, I think they all stepped up today," Wallace said. "It was great."

Westcliff carried that momentum into Game 2 — and never let it go.

Madison Mendez led the way with a dominant two-way performance, driving in four runs at the plate while tossing a complete-game shutout in the circle. The senior allowed just five hits and struck out eight, controlling the game from the first inning on.

"Maddie Mendez came in and clutched this whole second game," Wallace said. "Held her own offensively and held it down in the circle. You can't ask for any more than that."

The Warriors scored in four of the first five innings, building a steady lead behind disciplined at-bats and timely hitting. Rachel Varela added a perfect 4-for-4 performance with two triples, continuing a strong stretch at the plate.

"Rachel has done a great job being coachable," Wallace said. "She's peaking at the right time going into Georgia."

The senior class made its presence felt throughout the day, particularly in the outfield, where speed and pressure consistently disrupted La Sierra defensively.

"From Sydney to Kayce to Alyssa, I think they all did a great job," Wallace said. "A lot of speed, a lot of passion. Just putting pressure on the defense."

The sweep extends Westcliff's winning streak to five games as the Warriors head into next week's conference tournament as the No. 3 seed.

For Wallace, the focus is simple.

"Get some rest. Get some sleep," he said.

And then, with a smile:

"We're peaking at the right time. We're ready to go. We're very excited. We really believe we can win the whole thing this year."