By Nathan Sanchez /Western Sun staff writer

The Golden West College softball team has been in a bit of a rut as of late, losing 11 of its last 12 games.  Being outscored by an average of six runs a game in the month of March is a tough stat to hang your hat on.

Golden West (1-11 in Orange Empire Conference play, 6-23 overall) has been largely overshadowed this season by the 14-0 first place Cypress Chargers.

Pitching has been a major issue for the squad who, rather than having a rotation of pitchers, have leaned heavily on Adriana Barrera.  The freshman has amassed over 100 innings so far this season; the pitcher with the second most innings pitched on the team has less than 20.

Sophomore shortstop Taylor Clinkaberry leads the Rustler’s in nearly all offensive categories, hitting .408 with a .451 on base percentage.  Clinkaberry and freshman catcher Alanna Torres have combined for the team’s  five home runs.

The GWC softball team will start a two-game road trip where they will take on Fullerton and Saddleback before returning home for a game against rival Orange Coast, on Wednesday April 13 at 6 p.m.