Story by: Alexzander Barr
Photo by: Alexzander Barr
Cypress College softball is heading into the final moments of its regular season with seven games remaining.The Chargers, holding a 22-11 overall record along with a 10-5 mark in Orange Empire Conference play, are currently tied for second place with Fullerton and Orange Coast College. Each team sits at 10-5 after 33 games.
Cypress enters the final stretch on a four-game winning streak, with two of its remaining three series coming against conference opponents. One of the most anticipated matchups will be a three-game series against Orange Coast College, marking the first meeting between the teams this season. The series could prove vital in determining the top two spots in the conference standings.
Head coach Brad Pickler emphasized a focused approach heading into the final games.
“It’s one game at a time,” Pickler said. “We’re still in it for a conference championship, so every game is just as important as the next.”
At the start of the season, Pickler made it clear that the team’s ultimate goal was a conference title. “The goal is to be conference champions, always,” said Pickler.
Despite some midseason struggles, Pickler believes his team is well-positioned to contend as the season comes to a close.
“Coming in, we thought we could be conference champions,” Pickler said. “Then we lost a few in the middle there, and things tightened up toward the end. Now we have that shot.”
The Chargers have found stability in their lineup, with consistency playing a key role in their late-season push.
“Our starting lineup has been the exact same for about a month or so, other than our designated hitter we’ve been rotating,” Pickler said.
However, Pickler believes the team’s success will hinge on contributions from across the roster.
“I really think the top of our lineup is who we rely on to come in the clutch, but it doesn’t need to come from them,” he said. “It can come from anyone in the lineup who can give us that two-out hit or a good defensive play that saves a run. That’s who wins — the teams that can get those clutch plays with two outs.”
As the regular season comes to a close, Pickler said the focus is on execution in key moments.
“It’s pretty much time to step up, get that clutch hit and make that good play.”
To follow the Cypress College softball team, visit their social media @cypresscollegesoftball.
