Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 LAS VEGAS – Humboldt State used two different methods to muscle past two more softball foes on the second day of the Desert Stinger Tournament.
 
The Lumberjacks hit early and rode away with a 6-4 morning victory over the Clan of Simon Fraser. In the late afternoon, HSU dug out of a seven-run hole with four three-run frames in a 13-8 win over New Mexico Highlands.
 
Over a third of the team's 24 total hits with 12 in each contest, Dani Randall and Julie Pena combined to go 9-for-17 with a double, four home runs, eight runs and nine RBI. The two hitters combined with the super sophomore pitchers, Katie Obbema and Liz Perez, helped No. 4-ranked HSU improve to 8-0.
 
Vs. Simon Fraser
 
Once the Jacks have gained an early lead, thus far in the early 2014 season, it has been hard to get it away from them.
 
HSU opened a 5-0 advantage after three frames and held on for the 6-4 win over Simon Fraser.
 
Tiffany Hollingsworth and Alison McKibbon produced three hits apiece. Hollingsworth doubled and score twice and McKibbon was 3-for-3 with two RBI.
 
Providing the power, Randall doubled and homered, while Pena hit a two-run home run and singled.
 
"Our hitters are making it hurt when it counts. We have a tough lineup and there is no place for a pitcher to rest. We are still learning and getting better with every pitch," said HSU head coach Shelli Sarchett.
 
In the home second, McKibbon's single through the ride side plated Hollingsworth for the game's first run.
 
With one out in the third, Randall homered. After a second out, Hollingsworth doubled, before Pena drove the ball over the fence for a two-run variety to center field. Sarah Fox singled, stole second and scored on McKibbon's second run-scoring hit for a 5-0 lead.
 
Obbema did not need any more offense, even though Hollingsworth added a RBI single to score Randall, who doubled in the sixth.
 
The sophomore hurler gave up eight hits and three earned run for her fourth complete game and fifth win.
 
"Katie is throwing well right now and is only getting stronger and smarter with every game," noted Sarchett.
 
Vs. New Mexico Highlands
 
In the largest deficit of the first week, HSU watched New Mexico Highlands belted its way to five first inning runs and another pair in the second to open a 7-0 lead.
 
The Jacks were not deterred. HSU's bats produced three runs in four of the final five at bats for the 13-8 comeback win.
 
"I have said it before these girls don't quit. They want to win!" stressed the HSU coach. "They know they can come back and win a ball game and they continue to have the confidence to do so."
 
Pena and Randall combined for a 5-for-7 contest. Pena recorded three hits with her second two-run home run of the day, two runs and three RBI. Randall added her second round-tripper, a three-run blast, a single, three runs and her own three RBI.
 
Darian Harris recorded her own fine game with three singles and three runs. McKibbon doubled and single, while Andrea Chavez lined a two-run double.
 
Trailing 5-0, Perez came on to stop the Cowgirls' bats. The second-year pitcher went the final 6.1 innings with a strong seven-hit and one earned run effort, while fanning eight.
 
"Perez did a great job today coming in and finishing out the game. She is coming back into form and really stepped up today," added Sarchett.
 
Down by seven, Randall cut the difference in half with a third inning three-run homer.
 
Behind 7-4 in the top of the fifth, Chavez scored a pair by lacing a double to center for a tie game at seven by the end of the frame.
 
HSU barged ahead with three more runs including two off Pena's two-run blast to lead 10-7 going to the bottom of the sixth.
 
After the fourth three-run HSU production in the top of the seventh, Perez slammed the door one-two-three including two strikeouts to end the game.
 
HSU will complete its nine-game opening week with an 11:30 a.m. contest against Colorado School of Mines.
 

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