CSUSM’s softball team secured their first win of the season against San Bernardino in a doubleheader on Feb. 17 at 12 p.m. The first game ended in a 3-1 win, the second ended with a 4-6 loss.

Unfortunately, the following doubleheader in the series was postponed due to weather.

The Cougars started off the game strong and ready to go. Pitcher Cheyenne Alvarez threw all seven innings striking out three with a 1-2 record.

The Cougars took the lead in the bottom of the fifth inning, when outfielder Lindsay Cerulle hit her second Runs Batted In (RBI) of the game leaving the score 2-1. The team finished off the Coyotes when outfielder Sarah Whelehon hit a single, allowing outfielder Sara Langdon to run home.

In the second game the Coyotes hit back hard and the Cougars couldn’t fully recover.

“Everyone is going to have a bad game, but it’s important for them to know that they have a whole team behind their back to help pick them up. One way we do this is by trying to stay loud in the dugout at all times to keep our energy up” said Cerulle after the games.

The Coyotes immediately scored four points in the first inning leaving the Cougars in the dust.

The Cougars closed the gap by two at the bottom of the fourth inning with an RBI from Whelehon. However, that didn’t stop the Coyotes from coming back with another two points leaving the scoreboard 6-2.

Regaining some of their energy, the Cougars retaliated in the seventh inning gaining an extra two points. However, the game ended with a 4-6 loss.

“I think the win was necessary for our player’s confidence. I think it helped us understand that we can play with any team in our league. Cal State San Bernardino was fifth in the conference preseason poll and we not only felt that we competed with them, but they really had to bring their ‘A’ game to beat us” said Coach Laurie Nevarez.

The Cougars next home series will be against Cal State East Bay. The first doubleheader will be on March 3 at 12 p.m., the second will be on March 4 at 11 a.m.