Softball Takes Game 1 from American River, 2-1

Sierra scratched out two late runs and made them stand behind a complete-game effort from L. Cruz to beat American River, 2–1, on Tuesday afternoon (Feb. 25, 2026) in Sacramento.

For four innings, neither team could break through as both starters worked efficiently and the defenses kept the scoreboard clean. The game finally opened up in the fifth:

- **Top 5:** Sierra struck first, pushing across a run to take a **1–0** lead.
- **Bottom 5:** American River answered immediately, tying it **1–1**.

The decisive moment came an inning later:

- **Top 6:** Sierra manufactured the go-ahead run and moved back in front **2–1**.
- **Bottom 6–7:** Cruz closed the door, working out of trouble and finishing the game to secure the win.

Sierra finished with **2 runs on 6 hits and no errors. 

- **L. Cruz (P):** Complete game **7.0 IP**, **7 H**, **1 R (1 ER)**, **0 BB**, **6 K**. 
- **M. Hamilton:** **2-for-2** with a walk, Sierra's most consistent bat on base.
- **S. Grigsby:** Drove in Sierra's only credited RBI (**1 RBI**).