ARCATA, Calif. – First baseman
Kalyn Paque drove in a team-high three runs as Humboldt State edged Central Washington, 7-3, in game one of NCAA Super Regional play Wednesday afternoon at HSU Softball Field.
"We have a tough lineup. When someone has an off day, somebody else steps up," said Head Coach
Shelli Sarchett. "We just need to go out there and play our game. We have to go out there, not give up and keep fighting. Today we took advantage of the opportunities that were given to us."
The Lumberjacks collected their fourth straight win and improved their record to 49-5-1. HSU is one win shy from reaching the NCAA National Championship round. Super Regional action wraps Thursday with game one starting at noon and an "if necessary" game scheduled for 2:30 p.m.
Illa Haley plated the Jacks' first run when she scored
Breonna Bejaran from third with a single up the middle in the second inning.
HSU broke the game open in the third. After three consecutive walks loaded the bases with one out, Bejaran slapped a 2-2 pitch past a diving Wildcats second baseman to bring home two runs. Two batters later, Paque belted a two-run double off the left field wall to make the score 5-0.
The Wildcats trimmed the Jacks lead to two with three runs on two hits in the fifth inning. Austin Wilkerson provided the big hit in the frame. She clubbed a two-run double to right centerfield with one out.
Paque and
Cyndi Chavez added RBI singles in the sixth and seventh innings, respectively, to clinch the victory.
Madison Williams got the start in game one versus Central Washington. She tossed seven innings, struck out nine and gave up four hits as she picked up win No. 24.
"I am very pleased with Maddie's performance," said Sarchett. "I just want her to go out there and have some fun in those tough situations. She pitched a great game."
The reigning Great Northwest Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Year, Kiana Wood, struggled in her first meeting with the Jacks. Wood lasted 2.2 innings, surrendered five runs and walked four in the loss.
