TURLOCK - The Humboldt State softball team will sleep a little better after a 4-3 decision over Central Washington on Saturday evening.  After dropping a 9-2 match-up to University of Hawai'i Hilo in game one of the day, the Jacks rallied to overcome the Wildcats, 4-3, in a hard fought battle at Pedretti Park in Turlock at the Tournament of Champions. 

Boxscore

The Jacks will play on Sunday in bracket play of the TOC.  The placing and times of the games will be determined at the conclusion of the remainder of Saturday's action.

Humboldt controlled the lead from the first pitch, pulling ahead of the Wildcats in the first inning before they replaced Jennifer Sizemore in the circle with Vaneza Hoover.  Hoover, who struggled in game one of the day, produced a solid outing for the Jacks.

The Jacks ended the game after throwing out the tying run at home with a throw from right field.  The Wildcats sent the runner from third with the hopes to tie the game.  

The Jacks were led offensively by Geneva Perrine (1-3), Felicia Viveiros (2-3), Kirsten Nouzovsky (1-3), Courtney Hiatt (1-3), and Sarah Fox (1-3). 

Humboldt State 2, University of Hawai'i Hilo  9

Boxscore

Humboldt struggled early in the circle, allowing five runs in the first inning.  Hoover (5-5), who earned the loss for the Jacks,  was pulled after just 2/3 inning.  Hoover allowed three hits and five runs while in control.

The Jacks and Vulcans both put up big numbers with the bats, 10 and 12, respectively.  But it was the Vulcans who committed three errors while the Jacks allowed zero.

The Vulcans capitalized on the poor performance from the pitchers and put up runs in four of their six innings at bat.
 
"Our pitching is suspect," said HSU head coach Frank Cheek.  "It has been suspect all year and continues in that direction," he added.