CSUSM softball fell short in the Chico State series 1-4, on April 7 to 8 held at CSUSM’s softball field. With the split, the Cougars are now 8-29 overall and 7-21 in conference play.

The first game of the series proved to be challenging leaving the Cougars 0-6, without racking up a single point. The second, however, the Cougars stepped it up pushing back the Wildcats. Pitcher Ashley Dagenais threw all seven innings, gave up four runs and struck out five.

In the first inning, infielder Karla Bernal hit a run batted in (RBI) allowing outfielder Lindsey Cerulle to run to home giving the Cougars a lead. However, the Wildcats quickly retaliated and scored three more points in the second and fourth innings.

Infielder Karen Roman plated in Bernal leaving the score 4-2 in the bottom of the fourth inning. Bernal struck another RBI leaving the final 4-3.

The Cougars outhit Chico 5-2 in the first game of the day, with outfielder Sara Langdon comprising two of them.

“We decided that we now have a different mentality, we want to play for our seniors, especially since we are towards the end of our season. Especially in games three and four, we came out really strong and we just really wanted to play for our seniors” said Langdon after the game.

The game went 0-0 until the top of the third when Wildcat, Cailin Garmon, scored the only point for the remainder of the game leaving the scoreboard 0-1.

The second game showcased the Cougars hard work with a final score of 5-0, with a complete game shutout from Dagenais. Infielder Holly Fauria compiled two hits and one run, infielder April Perez had one run and two RBIs, and outfielder Melody Forstie had two hits and one RBI.

The Cougars next game will be against Humboldt State  on April 13 to 14 at Arcata. Coach Laurie Nevarez anticipates Humboldt’s challenge, but said she looks forward to play them.
“Humboldt State is one of the top teams in the nation. We’re excited to play them and we are coming off of a series where we played great. I think if we stay the course, have our pitching staff paint the corners and our hitters move runners, we will have a good opportunity to come home with some wins.”