IRVINE, Calif. - The Cal State East Bay softball team kicked off its 2025 season with a bang, securing two impressive victories on the opening day of the Concordia Kickoff Classic. The Pioneers showcased their teamwork, toppling No. 2 Western Washington, 7-1 in the season opener before shutting out Vanguard 2-0 in the afternoon at Great Park.
 

GAME SUMMARIES

Cal State East Bay 7, No. 2 WWU 1
In the first game against the highly-touted Vikings, Cal State East Bay wasted no time asserting its dominance. The Pioneers' offense ignited in the bottom of the first inning when Jeslyn Cuellar drove in Ashlee Toy with an RBI single for the season's first run. The momentum continued as Ysabella Cortez delivered a clutch two-run single with the bases loaded, extending the lead to 3-0.

The Pioneers' bats remained hot in the second inning, with Alexa Zumstein crushing a two-run double to push the advantage to 5-0. East Bay added two more insurance runs in the fifth, capitalizing on a Vikings error that allowed Izzy Reyes to score, followed by an RBI single from Toy to bring home Cortez for a 7-0 lead.

Although WWU broke the shutout in the top of the seventh, the Pioneers finished the opener with a 7-1 win. 

In the circle, Marissa Quintero was nothing short of spectacular, holding the potent Western Washington offense hitless through four innings. Quintero's complete game performance, allowing just one run while striking out eight, set the tone for the Pioneers' pitching staff.

Cal State East Bay 2, Vanguard 0
The second game of the day proved to be a pitchers' duel, with both teams locked in a scoreless battle until the final inning. Cal State East Bay broke through in the top of the seventh when Annelise Garcia led off with a single and scored on a series of Vanguard errors. Marissa Farias provided an additional cushion with an RBI double, pushing the lead to 2-0.

Ashlee Toy, showcasing her versatility, transitioned from her stellar offensive performance in game one to dominate in the circle for game two. Toy secured the victory with a complete game shutout, scattering five hits and striking out five to cap off an impressive opening day for the Pioneers.
 

NOTABLE STATS

• Ashlee Toy: 4-for-7 at the plate over both games, including a 3-for-4 performance in game one. Pitched a complete game shutout with five strikeouts in game two.
• Marissa Quintero: Pitched a complete game against No. 2 Western Washington, allowing just one run and striking out eight.
• Alexa Zumstein: Went 2-for-3 with two RBIs in game one.
• Ysabella Cortez: 2-for-4 in the season opener.
• Annelise Garcia: Scored a run in each game, including the go-ahead run in game two.

UP NEXT FOR CAL STATE EAST BAY

The Pioneers will look to build on their opening day success as they continue play in the Concordia Kickoff Classic on Saturday, February 1. Cal State East Bay faces Biola at 8 a.m., followed by a matchup against Colorado Christian at 4 p.m., both at Great Park in Irvine, California.