Esparza drives La Habra to victory over Fullerton

FULLERTON Maleena Esparza went 3 for 3 with a grand slam and drove in all five of her team's runs in La Habra's 5-1 victory over Fullerton in a key Freeway League game Tuesday at Fullerton High.

La Habra, Fullerton and Sunny Hills were in a three-way tie for first-place heading into Tuesday's action, which marked the final day of the first round of league games. Sunny Hills beat Buena Park on Tuesday, creating a two-way tie with La Habra for first place.

Esparza, who has committed to play at Northern Illinois, doubled home Cami Jacob to put the Highlanders ahead, 1-0, in the first inning.

In the second, a hit batter, a fielder's choice and a two-out error loaded the bases for Esparza, who drove the ball over the left field fence to give the Highlanders a 5-0 lead.

With the Highlanders (14-8, 4-1) leading, 5-1, Taylor Browne and Kendall Shea led off with back-to-back singles for the Indians (10-13, 3-2) in the sixth. But pitcher Vanessa Ciocatto got out of the jam with an infield pop up and a double play.

Jacob went 4 for 4 with two runs scored.

The Lancers play host to the Highlanders on Thursday in what should be a critical league game.