Thunderbirds Stumble At (#16) South Mountain

Tuesday, February 8, 2022 - 6:46 pm | Derek Diesner

Phoenix, AZ - Following a pair of scrimmages this past Saturday, the Mesa Thunderbirds opened their 2022 regular season on Tuesday afternoon at 16th ranked South Mountain. The T-Birds dropped both games in 5-innings each by finals of 9-1 and 20-5.

With the losses, Mesa opens the season 0-2 overall and 0-2 in ACCAC play. With the victories, the 16th ranked Cougars improve to 9-2 overall and open ACCAC conference play at 2-0

It was a rough afternoon for the Thunderbirds on Tuesday, as they traveled across The Valley to face the 16th ranked Cougars from South Mountain. SMCC showed off their offense early and often against the T-Birds.

Game One:

Mesa struck first on a Justine Encinas single, that scored Kaleiah Tatlonghari. That would be the lone run in the game for the T-Birds, as they averaged a runner an inning following that first frame attack.

Game Two:

Things wouldn't get any easier for the Thunderbirds in the second game of the conference double-dip. The Cougars' offense erupted for 20 runs in just five innings. Offensively for Mesa, Alanie Ornelas finished 2-for-3 at the plate with a pair of RBI's. Kylie Wilhelms also added a solo homerun, her first of the season, and finished her day 1-for-2 at the plate.

The road won't get any easier for the Thunderbirds. MCC comes home for their 2022 home opener this Saturday when they welcome the 5th ranked Yavapai Roughriders (10-1 overall, 2-0 ACCAC). Saturday's doubleheader is slated to begin at 12 Noon, and you can follow the action with live stats here: https://bit.ly/3gzYbrb.

Don't forget to check out the MCC Team Shop, as well as our Booster Club.