CONROE, Texas -- On Friday, Cal Poly Humboldt returned to the diamond for day two of the 2023 DII Spring Invitational Kickoff where they faced off against Saint Mary's University (Texas) and Texas Woman's University. The 'Jacks dropped a close game one to St. Mary's with a final score of 4-3, but came out on top in game two versus Texas Woman's with a final score of 5-1. Vanessa Richie improved to 2-0, picking up her second win of the season behind complete game performance. 

GAME ONE VS. ST. MARY'S: The top of the first inning saw Cal Poly Humboldt threaten to score, but the Rattler defense threw Harris out at home on a fielders choice. In the bottom half of the first, St. Mary's got on the board after Dugi hit a triple and scored on a throwing error by Starr while attempting to throw out a Rattler runner at second base. In the top of the third, Humboldt tied the game at one when Izzy Starr stole second and the St. Mary's shortstop made an error trying to throw Ciera Pyle out at home plate. In the bottom of the third inning, two hits and a throwing error resulted in two more runs for the Rattlers, taking a 3-1. 

An RBI double for St. Mary's gave the Rattlers a 4-1 heading into the fifth inning. Micaela Harris singled to center field, stole second base, and then scored on a throwing error by the catcher after stealing third base. In the top of the seventh inning, the Lumberjacks needed two runs to at least send the game to extra innings. Kristin Ingram singled to right field but advanced to third base on a fielding error by the right fielder. Shelby Shanks hit a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Ingram and making it a one run ball game. With two outs to go in the game, Humboldt was unsuccessful in scratching one more run across the plate and the 'Jacks dropped game one to St. Mary's with a final score of 4-3. 

St. Mary's picked up their first win of the year and Cal Poly Humboldt fell to 1-2.

NOTABLE STATS
- Micaela Harris had two hits, one run, and three stolen bases
- Ciera Pyle, Izzy Starr, Kristin Ingram, and Shelby Shanks all recorded a hit
- Dugi of St. Mary's had a double and triple
- Cavazos of St. Mary's got the win, throwing a complete game and not giving up a run

GAME TWO VS. TEXAS WOMAN'S: The only run of the game scored by Texas Woman's came in the bottom of the first inning after a sac fly by the Pioneers. It was an unearned run as the runner reached on an error committed by the first baseman. Humboldt exploded offensively in the top of the third inning and put up four runs on the Pioneers. Izzy Starr got the 'Jacks going with a double down the right field line. Katlyn Gifford knocked in Starr with a single up the middle. Then, back to back singles and an error from Texas Woman's plated two more runners for the Lumberjacks. To cap off the four run, five hit inning, Krisitn Ingram drove in Alyssa Ramirez on a double to right center field. 

In the top of the seventh, Vanessa Saltos tripled to left field and scored on a sacrifice fly to left field from Gifford to give Humboldt a 5-1 lead. Vanessa Richie dominated in the circle, as she didn't allow an earned run over the entirety of the game. Richie struck out four, walked no one, and gave up six hits in the complete game. She improved to 2-0 on the season after picking up the win.

Cal Poly Humboldt improved to 2-2, reaching .500 after the split. Texas Woman's dropped their season opener and are now 0-1.

NOTABLE STATS
- McKenna Beach collected three hits and scored a run
- Alyssa Ramirez and Kristin Ingram each had two hits 
- Vanessa Saltos tripled 
- Izzy Starr doubled
- Katlyn Gifford went 1-for-2 with two walks, scored a run, and had two RBI's
- Vanessa Richie improved to 2-0 after throwing a complete game and not allowing an earned run

UP NEXT
Tomorrow, Cal Poly Humboldt Softball returns for day three of the 2023 DII Spring Invitational Kickoff with a doubleheader against Saint Edward's University and Angelo State University. First pitch against Saint Edward's is set for 1:30 p.m. (3:30 p.m. CST) and game two against Angelo State will follow directly after. To follow the live stats, be sure to view the tournament website. 

For more information on Cal Poly Humboldt softball, please visit humboldtathletics.com and follow us on all social media platforms.