The Long Beach City College softball team suffered a 10-2 non-conference loss to visiting No. 1 state-ranked Cypress College on Wednesday at the Viking Softball Field.

The loss dropped Long Beach to 4-3 overall this season while three-time defending state champion Cypress made its season debut today and is 1-0.

Cypress pounded out 11 hits and scored in each of the first four innings. The Chargers broke the game open with four runs in the top of the second.

Long Beach got a run back in the bottom of the second. Freshman Eileen River drew a one-out walk, advanced to second on a wild pitch, and then came in to score on a double to left-center field by freshman Jezeree Misaalefua (pictured).

Rivera added a RBI single in the bottom of the seventh to bring in sophomore Shanise Compton for the Vikings' other run.

Freshman Candice Shadwell took the loss for Long Beach. She allowed seven runs (four earned) and four hits over three innings. Freshman Marissa Freese closed out the game for the Vikings and allowed three runs and seven hits over the final four innings.

Long Beach managed just three hits off of two Cypress pitchers. Stephanie Lumann earned the win after allowing just one run and one hits over four innings. She struck out five and walked one. Alyssia Palamino tossed the final three innings and gave up a run and two hits.

Nicole Nobbe went 4 for 4 with a double, triple, two RBI, and three runs to lead the Cypress offense.

Long Beach returns to action on Friday (Feb. 8) when it travels to Palomar College for a 3 p.m. non-conference game.

Photo by Chris Ruiz