Tiana Monaghan’s Two Homers, 5 RBI Power San Marcos to 11-0 Win
By Barry Punzal, Noozhawk Sports Editor | @NoozhawkSports April 13, 2021
Freshman Tiana Monaghan blasted two home runs and collected five RBI, powering San Marcos to an 11-0 non-league softball win over Santa Paula on Tuesday.
“It was fantastic to see Tiana have a breakout game — it wasn’t a matter of if, but when it was going to happen,” said coach Jeff Swann. “She has been hitting the ball well in practice, and it just took a few games for her to get into the ‘swing’ of things.’
Monaghan’s first homer was a bomb to center field in the fourth inning to put the Royals ahead 6-0. Her second was a three-run shot in the seventh.
Ten different players collected hits, with Caitlyn Early going 4 for 4, and Monaghan, Fryklund and Mackenzie Mendoza each going 2 for 3. The Royals rapped out 16 hits.
In the circle, Allie Fryklund scattered five hits while striking out nine and walking just one batter, earning her first shutout of the season.
Second baseman Bella Cruz was a standout on defense, responsible for six out. Fryklund commanded the middle of the field with her glove, collecting three putouts.
Swann praised the leadership and improvement of catcher Gigi Gritt.
The Royals (2-2) play at Santa Barbara on Wednesday and host Cabrillo on Friday.