HAYWARD, Calif. — No. 13 Cal State East Bay opened NCAA Division II West Regional play with a 3-2 loss to Western Washington on Thursday afternoon at Pioneer Field.
The Pioneers struck first and controlled the early momentum.
Rylee Gomez opened the bottom of the first with a single before Jasmyn Morales followed with a double to put immediate pressure on the Vikings. Cynthia Carrillo lifted a sacrifice fly to bring home the game's first run, and Ava Benavides followed with an RBI triple to right field to extend the lead to 2-0.
East Bay continued to create chances throughout the afternoon, finishing with nine hits while repeatedly putting runners on base.
Western Washington gradually worked back into the game.
The Vikings cut the deficit in half with a solo home run in the third before tying the game in the fifth following a defensive miscue. The deciding run came in the seventh on a sacrifice fly after Western Washington moved runners into scoring position with a bunt and a walk.
Despite the late swing, East Bay continued to battle.
Carrillo delivered a two-out single in the seventh to keep the game alive, but the Pioneers were unable to extend the inning as Western Washington closed out the win.
Marissa Quintero worked all seven innings in the circle, allowing three runs — two earned — while striking out two. Morales, Macie Mead and Jennavee Campos each recorded multiple-hit performances as East Bay finished with nine hits.
No. 13 Cal State East Bay continues NCAA West Regional play Friday at 12:30 p.m. against Concordia University Irvine in an elimination game.
