SANTA ANA, Calif. – The top spot in the Orange Empire Conference Softball standings was up for grabs on Wednesday afternoon, as Santa Ana hosted No. 2 Cypress College in another crucial matchup.
Although the Dons struck first with a run in the first inning, Cypress battled back with three runs in the third and another in the seventh to walk away with the 4-1 win.
Santa Ana's Kali Kitsinis had a strong game on the mound but was credited with the loss after giving up three unearned runs, 10 hits and striking out one.
Tiana Patrick scored the lone run for the Dons while going 2-4 with two stolen bases while Jeana Gonzales knocked in her team high 28th RBI of the season.
The Dons have now suffered all three of their conference losses to Cypress and trail the Chargers by 1.5 games in the standings.
On Thursday, Santa Ana will try to create some separation between themselves and the third place Santiago Canyon Hawks in another OEC battle. First pitch is set for 3:00 p.m. at Santa Ana College.