MORAGA – Humboldt State came from behind to grab a 5-2 victory in the first game and followed with an explosion of scoring in a 11-0 result in the nightcap to complete a doubleheader sweep over Dominican University of California. Four different Lumberjacks drilled home runs, counting for four of HSU's 25 hits. 

The wins improve the Jacks to 6-4 overall as the Penguins fall to 2-7 on the season.

DUC struck in the first inning, scoring two runs to put the Penguins up 2-0. Kayla Rodriguez started off with a single and stole second on a failed pickoff attempt. Dominique Perry's single gave Rodriguez the opportunity to put the Penguins on the board first. With bases loaded, Jill Rizzo walked to give DUC a two-run lead. Kirsten Nouzovsky and Courtney Hiatt connected at the plate to prevent further scoring and Chrissy Stalf ended the inning with an unassisted putout.

"We made some mental mistakes in the beginning, but after the first inning, we played some good softball," said head coach Frank Cheek. "It seemed like they had a little bit of jitters."

Unhappy trailing, the Jacks responded in the top of the third with a run of their own to cut the lead in half. Nouzovsky (who went 2-for-3 in the game) singled through the left side to start the Jacks off. Alicia Reid sacrificed a bunt to advance Nouzovsky to second. Felicia Viveiros doubled to right center to send Nouzovsky in to score, but the Jacks couldn't send in the tying run.

It wasn't until the top of the fifth Humboldt State took control of the game, demonstrating its hitting skills. Viveiros doubled to start the hitting frenzy, followed by a single to left field from Hiatt (3-for-3 in the first game). Dani Randall powered the ball over the fence for a three-run homer to put the Jacks up 3-2. Tonya Walker reached on after being hit by a pitch. Andrea Chavez doubled to centerfield, advancing Walker to third. Sammi Gilbert grounded out, but registered an RBI when Walker ran in for the fourth run, giving HSU the 5-2 lead.

The Penguins tried to find some more runs, taking the game to the bottom of the seventh, but the Jacks' defense sealed the deal at 5-2 after picking off the Penguins in order in the last three innings.

Humboldt State started strong in the nightcap, capitalizing in the top of the second to put the Jacks up 3-0 off four hits, including two homers. Reid started off by knocking the ball out of the park. Gilbert doubled through the left side to get in scoring position. With a 3-2 count, Walker sent the next pitch sailing over the center field fence for a two-run home run. Continuing with the hits, Stalf doubled to right center and reached second when Viveiros was walked, but the two were left stranded as the Penguins completed three outs.

Walker powered a single to center field to start the top of the fourth. Nouzovsky (who finished 2-for-3 in the nightcap) followed with a two-run homer of her own, putting the Jacks up 5-0.

A powerful sixth inning effort from the Jacks left the Penguins with a huge hole to attempt to crawl out of. Serena Aragones led with a double down the left field line and reached second when Nouzovsky was thrown four balls. Stalf singled to center, giving Aragones the chance to score. Guidarelli loaded the bases after getting hit by a pitch. Sarah Fox pinch ran for Guidarelli and advanced to second off Hiatt's single to left center, sending Nouzovsky in for the run and Stalf to third. Randall doubled to right center, grabbing two RBIs from Stalf and Fox.

Claire Hoose flied out to center, but Hiatt scored and Randall reached third after tagging their bases. Gilbert singled through the left side to send in the Jacks' 11th run with Randall. The Penguins finally grabbed their third out to end the inning after seeing the Jacks return full circle in their lineup.

Once again, defense sealed the victory without giving up any runs. Jessica George pitched a one-hit game, striking out six Penguins at the plate.

"George pitched very well for us, she only gave up one hit," said Cheek. "We also hit the ball well. We played fairly well to get the wins."

Humboldt State faces Academy of Art Sunday afternoon for another doubleheader, starting at 11 a.m., before returning home to Arcata.

"If we play like we did today, we'll win," said Cheek.