CYPRESS, Calif. - In a battle for first place in the Orange Empire Conference Softball standings, the No. 8 ranked Santa Ana Dons (13-2, 5-0) knocked off No. 6 Cypress by a score of 6-1 on Friday afternoon. 

It was a very competitive, high level game throughout but the Dons managed to make key plays when it mattered.

Santa Ana manufactured their first run in the second inning as Vinnie Robles doubled to shortstop and then scored after a ground out and a wild pitch to make it a 1-0 game. 

Following a few scoreless innings, SAC broke the game open with five runs in the fifth inning. 

Breanna Padilla used her speed to beat out a single down the third base line to start the rally in the fifth. After Padilla stole second, Airilin Ramirez pulled a liner into the left center field gap for an RBI double. Just one batter later, Alana Rangsuebsin capitalized on the big opportunity with a single to center to pick up an RBI and give Santa Ana a 3-0 lead. 

The Dons added a few more runs later in the inning when Alexis Rangel singled home Rangsuebsin and Jayleena Perez, and then came around to score on a ground out by Iyari Ramirez.

With a 6-0 lead, SAC just needed to hold the Chargers off for two and a half more innings to secure the win and sole possession of first place in the OEC standings. 

Emily Rosas was more than up for the task as the sophomore threw a complete game while striking out seven and giving up just one run for the win. 

Santa Ana will be back in action on Monday when they go on the road to face Southwestern (2-13) in a non-conference game. The two teams met earlier this season with the Dons winning 12-0 at home. Game time is set for 2:30 p.m.