CSUSM women’s softball opened up the 2017 season with a set of road games against Vanguard University.  The cougars fell to the Lions 5-0 in the first game and their second game was cancelled due to inclement weather.

The Cougars were only able to collect two hits the entire game as outfielder Holly Fauria #3 and outfielder Lindsay Cerulle #9 recorded them.  Pitcher Amanda Horbasch #10 took the mound to start the season for the Cougars.

The Lions from start to finish controlled the pace of the game, as they mounted four of their five runs in the second inning.  The Cougars, after Horbasch 1.1 innings, threw two more pitchers.  Pitcher Cheyenne Alvarez #5 came in relief for the Cougars pitching 2.2 innings and allowing one run. Cougar Ashley Dagenais #15 finished off the game throwing two solid innings holding the Lions only one hit as she acquired four strikeouts.

“When I’m called upon I just try and do my job the best that I can…I felt really focused and I just tried to keep my team in the game as long as possible” said Dagenais.

Vanguard pitcher Kolby Tonini #8 threw seven scoreless innings and threw four strikeouts allowing her team to rally around her. Vanguard was able to tack on one more run in the fourth inning off a double from Samantha Shaffer #23 which scored Taylor Wilson #17 ultimately silencing the Cougars by the score of 5-0.  

“Were looking at where we fell short and looking at what we can tighten up…there were certain patterns that stood out and there were certain pitches that kids needed to cut harder and be better on.  They know the pitches they missed, and the other team took advantage of them” said Head Coach Nevarez.  “What we’re looking for is for them day in and day out to get better everyday and to be consistent and if they can do that we have a very talented group of athletes and we will be okay.”

The Cougars next home game is a doubleheader CCAA matchup against Cal State San Bernardino, Feb. 17th at 12:00p.m. and 2:00p.m.