East Union, Ceres softball win big in playoff openers

The East Union High softball team didn’t wait long to take control of Tuesday’s playoff opener.

The top-seeded Lancers scored eight runs in the first inning as they defeated No. 16 Sacramento 12-2 in the first round of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division III playoffs at the Sacramento Softball Complex.

The game was stopped after five innings because of the 10-run mercy rule.

Taylor Ward, Izabella Owen and Deja Guzman all collected two hits in the first inning for East Union (22-1) with Owen doubling twice.

Alenjandra Rascon added a two-run homer during the eight-run frame.

Delaney Pamplin led the Lancers 13-hit attack, going 3-for-3 with a double, home run and three RBIs.

Ceres 10, American Canyon 0 in Sacramento – The third-seeded Bulldogs (19-4) erupted for six runs in the fourth inning as they routed the No. 14 seed American Canyon.

The game was stopped after five innings because of the mercy rule.

Rayohna Sagapolu went 3-for-3 with two doubles and two runs scored to lead Ceres’ 12-hit attack. Nicole Bates, Sabrina Baisdon, Mahlena O’Neal, Callie Nunes and Jessica Arreola all had two hits for Ceres.

Nunes threw a one-hit shutout for the win.

Benicia 1, El Capitan 0 in Sacramento – Panthers ace McKenna Gregory struck out 15 hitters and only allowed one walk as she tossed a no-hitter against the Gauchos.

El Capitan ace Cassie Gasper was a tough-luck loser, only giving up five hits and one run.

This story was originally published May 17, 2016 at 9:01 PM with the headline "East Union, Ceres softball win big in playoff openers."