WHITTIER, Calif. (Apr. 18, 2026) – The Whittier College softball team bounced back from a tough opener with a strong offensive showing in Game 2 to secure a series victory over Claremont-Mudd-Scripps in Saturday's SCIAC doubleheader at Palmer Field.
Game 1: Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 7, Whittier 0
The Poets were held in check offensively in the opening game, as Claremont-Mudd-Scripps broke through with a five-run fifth inning to take control.
Whittier managed two hits in the contest, with Gaby Hernandez (Chino, Calif. / Chino) and Mia Gonzales (Pico Rivera, Calif. / Schurr) each recording base knocks. In the circle, Maya Torres (Lakewood, Calif. / Artesia) kept the game close through the early innings before the Athenas capitalized on timely hits in the middle frames.
Despite the setback, the Poets continued to compete defensively, turning a double play and limiting further damage late in the game
Game 2: Whittier 8, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 5
Whittier responded in a big way in the second game, using a balanced offensive attack and a decisive sixth inning to claim both the game and the series.
The Poets jumped out early with three runs in the first inning, highlighted by RBI knocks from Gonzales, Kelly Nutter (Carlsbad, Calif. / La Costa Canyon / Cal State San Marcos), and Lana Escarcega (San Jose, Calif. / Valley Christian). After Claremont-Mudd-Scripps rallied to take a 5-4 lead midway through the game, Whittier answered with its biggest inning of the day.
In the sixth, the Poets plated four runs to regain control, with Escarcega and Tiaira Richardson (Vista, Calif. / Rancho Buena Vista) delivering clutch RBIs to break the game open. Richardson's two-run double capped the rally and provided key insurance.
Mariah Rodriguez (Barstow, Calif. / Barstow) continued her standout season, going a perfect 3-for-3 with a home run and two runs scored. The sophomore's ninth homer of the year further strengthens her case in the SCIAC Athlete of the Year conversation. Escarcega and Richardson each added multi-hit performances with two RBIs apiece, while Gonzales and Daniella Contreras (Buena Park, Calif. / John F. Kennedy) also recorded multiple hits in the win.
In the circle, Mariah Zapata (Apple Valley, Calif. / Granite Hills / Long Beach City College) was dominant in relief, tossing three shutout innings while allowing just two hits to earn the win and shut down the Athenas' offense late.
With the win, Whittier secures its third consecutive SCIAC series victory, continuing a strong push through conference play.
Head Coach Terry Schweikert and the Poets improve to 19-15 overall and 7-8 in SCIAC play. Whittier will return to Palmer Field on Friday, April 24 at 3 p.m. to open a series against California Lutheran in the final Friday game of the regular season.
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