The softball team defeated the Sacramento City College Panthers 7-6 and 2-1 in a doubleheader on Saturday.

Cosumnes River College head coach Kristi Schroeder said she was pleased with the effort the team gave.

“We played gritty,” Schroeder said. “We worked hard.”

In the first game, the Hawks held a three-run lead through four innings until the Panthers responded with three runs of their own in the fifth inning.

The fifth and sixth innings featured three lead changes between the two teams with the Hawks scoring two runs and the Panthers with three runs.

Going into the bottom of the seventh inning, the Hawks trailed by a run but were able to mount a rally and won the game on a fielder’s choice from freshman first baseman Nina Najafizadeh.

Sophomore catcher Alexis Hoke said the offense was the biggest factor in helping them win the game.

“More than anything our bats really came through,” Hoke said.

Schroeder said the team’s determined mindset has allowed them to comeback in close games.

“We have a never quit attitude. We just got to keep playing,” Schroeder said. “We have a lot of hitters on this team, so even if the other team is challenging them, we can go bat for bat with the other team.”

In the second game, the Hawks scored first with an early run from sophomore utility player Ashley Garcia who hit a sacrifice fly.

The Panthers answered back with a run in the third, and the game stayed tied up until sophomore outfielder Imani Black hit a go ahead RBI double in the sixth inning which made it 2-1 in favor of the Hawks.

The Hawks were able to maintain their one-run lead due to the performance of freshman pitcher Kaylena Ogle who held the Panthers to one run over seven innings.

Ogle said the Hawks played great in all aspects of the game.

“I think we did a phenomenal job as a team,” Ogle said. “Defense was on it, offense was on it. Catching was on it. It was an amazing game.”

The Hawks’ next home game will be Feb. 10 against Folsom Lake College.