OLIVER KIMOKEO | sports editor
At the Cougar Softball Complex, the Azusa Locos successfully defended their 2006 crown and repeated as Intramural softball champions during the evening of Dec. 1.
In the championship game, the Azusa Locos defeated the Old Timers, 5-2, in a tightly-contested defensive game.
The Azusa Locos finished their 2007 campaign with a 8-2 record which included a season-ending four-game winning streak.
Captain Ryan Thomas built the Azusa Locos with an array of skilled players who have played varsity high school baseball or softball. Their opponent have players who are APU seniors hence the name Old Timers.
The Azusa Locos made the first mark on the scoreboard with a run in the second inning. They added four more runs in the next inning and took a 5-0 lead after 3 innings.
Five runs were all the Azusa Locos needed even though the Old Timers put together a valiant effort. The Old Timers responded to the five-run deficit with two fourth inning runs; although they could not break the scoreboard in the final two innings.
The Azusa Locos won their game through excellent fielding and some timely hits which enabled them to hold control of the game.
Defense has been a strong emphasis for the Azusa Locos squad. They started the 2007 season with two shutouts over Blue Crush and Team Snuggle and followed with a 12-2 victory over Hardball.
The Azusa Locos followed with a 18-5 and 12-0 victories respectfully over Extra Fabulous and Hotter Than You to earn a 5-0 record.
The month of November brought adversity for the Azusa Locos as they opened the month with two losses to RAlicious and Renegades. The Azusa Locos quickly recovered and finished their season with a 6-3 victory over Sparnvoy.
For the playoffs, the Azusa Locos were seeded No. 3. In the quarterfinal, they defeated Hotter Than You with a tight 5-4 victory. In the semifinal, they defeated Sparnvoy, 9-6.
Before the championship, the annual home run derby was held. Athletic training major Justin Raftery won the derby with 16 home runs. 
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