CHICO, Calif. – The Cal State East Bay softball team opened up their weekend road series against No. 10 ranked Chico State with a pair of tough losses in the opening day doubleheader on Friday, February 24 at University Softball Field.
The Wildcats swept the doubleheaders by final scores of 2-0 and 11-5. With the losses the Pioneers move to 6-4 on the season and 2-4 in California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) action.
The first game of the doubleheader was defensive clinic as both pitches combined for 14 strikeouts.
Abby Greer (3-2) collected four strikeouts for the Pioneers. East Bay registered five hits and no errors.
Sarah Fukushima collected two hits and a run scored on the day. Senior
Ali Cerminara also picked up two hits and a run scored on the second game of the doubleheader.
Haley Keahi led the Pioneers with two hits in the first game. She was the only player to have multiple hits in the 0-2 opening game loss. Freshman
Emilie Portesi compiled two hits on the afternoon.
Junior
Ashley Allen added two hits and a RBI for East Bay.
Marisa Lerma also chipped in two hits and one RBI for CSUEB. Sophomore
Courtney Leyba tallied one run scored, a RBI and forced two walks. Sophomore's
Tanya Galvan and
Belle Placencia each scored one run apiece for the Pioneers.
In the 11-5 second game loss, the Pioneers entered the bottom of the second inning with a 2-1 lead. The Wildcats would erupt for five runs in the bottom of the second and the Pioneers were not able to recover from the deficit.
Bailee Glover (1-1) retired one batter and only allowed three hits through 1.1 innings pitched.
Olivia McWhorter led East Bay tossing 4.2 innings and recording three strikeouts.
With the wins, Chico State improved to 7-0 on the season.
The Pioneers will conclude their weekend road series against Chico State with a Saturday afternoon doubleheader at University Softball Field. The first game will begin at 11:00 a.m.
