SANTA ANA - The Dons opened Orange Empire Conference competition today with a 7-0 win over visiting Orange Coast College. The win improves the Dons to 3-6 overall and 1-0 in conference while Coast falls to 0-6 and 0-1.

Emily Whitecavage got the offense started in the first inning with a leadoff walk followed by a stolen base. Kori Cochran then reached on an error before Vanessa Moreno doubled in both Whitecavage and Cochran for an early 2-0 lead. Moreno came around to score when Annie Dowling reached on a wild pitch following a strikeout.

The Dons would add four more runs in the fourth inning highlighted by a two-run triple by Whitecavage. Cochran followed Whitecavage with a RBI-single before scoring on a sacrifice bunt by Moreno.

On the mound, Victoria Franks (3-4) extended her shutout streak to nine innings while also striking out five batters. Kirstin Gutierrez picked up her first save of the season as she pitched the final three innings while allowing just one hit.