Huntington Beach, Calif. - The Rustlers (7-9, 1-7) fought their way from behind to secure their first win in conference play, defeating Santiago Canyon (15-4, 6-3) for the first time 5-4 on Wednesday. 

"That was a great team win," Head Coach Mike Willey said. "Really strong pitching against a really good team, so I'm really happy with it."

Santiago Canyon wasted no time, taking an early 3-0 lead in the first. The Hawks silenced the Rustlers who became victims of groundouts in the early innings, until left fielder Natalie Rodriguez brought in Sennie Viramontes off a triple in the fourth inning. 

Trailing 3-1 in the fifth inning, center fielder Jazmine Rodriguez knocked in another run with a double, closing the Hawks' lead 3-2. A batter later, shortstop Cienna Parker-Islas got a good read on an elevated pitch, driving in the tying and go-ahead runs off a base hit.  

"She had seen the pitches before, and we talked before that at-bat about how she wanted a pitch that was elevated," Willey said. "She got it and went with it really well, so I was really happy for her."

The Rustlers came up the next inning and put another run on the board in response to a double by right fielder Makayla Weiser. Before calling it a game, the Hawks scored one last run off of a defensive error in the outfield. 

After a solid three-game win streak, this squad will be taking a lot of confidence with them into a week full of conference games.

"We've played three of our best games," Willey said. "Going into the Fullerton game, it is going to be really tough especially at their place, but we have a lot of momentum. We are getting better every day, so I am very pleased."   

NEXT: Softball will be on the road playing Fullerton at 2 p.m. Friday. 

Written By: Marissa Lavezzari