LOLETA, Calif. -- Cal Poly Humboldt opened CCAA play with a doubleheader split against San Francisco State, who received votes in this week's NFCA national poll. The Jacks secured a thrilling 5-4 victory in game one, powered by a three-run fourth inning and strong pitching. In the second game, Humboldt struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities, falling 6-1 as the Gators took control early.
"I'm proud of the way we competed in game one," said head coach
Megan Corriea. "We have some work to do and need to capitalize against good teams when we get the opportunities, but look forward to another doubleheader tomorrow."
Game 1 - Cal Poly Humboldt 5, San Francisco State 4
Jacks Open CCAA Play with Win Over San Francisco State
Cal Poly Humboldt Softball kicked off CCAA play in winning fashion, edging out San Francisco State 5-4 in the first game of Thursday's doubleheader at Bear River Complex.
The Jacks (10-4, 1-0 CCAA) struck early, plating two runs in the bottom of the first on a two-run double down the right field line by Alyssa Smokey that brought home Hailee Moore and Bella Garcia.
San Francisco State (11-4, 0-1 CCAA) responded with two runs in the second inning and added another in the third to take a 3-2 lead. However, Humboldt roared back in the bottom of the fourth with a three-run surge. Hailey Meisenbach tied the game with an RBI single before Marissa Brody delivered a clutch two-run single up the middle, giving the Jacks a 5-3 advantage.
The Gators trimmed the deficit to one in the fifth, but strong pitching down the stretch secured the victory for Humboldt. Gaige Garcia (5-2) earned the win after five innings of work, allowing five hits and three earned runs while striking out three. Riley Shopp came on in relief, tossing two shutout innings to pick up her first save of the season.
Offensively, Humboldt tallied nine hits, led by Garcia and Brody, who each recorded multi-hit performances. Smokey, Brody, and Meisenbach all drove in key runs to fuel the Jacks' offense.
Game 2 - San Francisco State 6, Cal Poly Humboldt 1
Jacks Drop Game Two Against Gators to Split CCAA Opener
The Cal Poly Humboldt softball team wrapped up its CCAA opening day with a doubleheader split against San Francisco State on Thursday at the Bear River Complex. After securing a victory in game one, the Jacks fell 6-1 in the second matchup of the day.
San Francisco State (12-4, 1-1 CCAA) took control early, plating three runs in the second inning before adding insurance runs in the fourth and sixth. Cal Poly Humboldt (10-5, 1-1 CCAA) managed to push across a lone run in the second inning but was unable to capitalize on multiple scoring opportunities.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Gators struck first in the top of the second with an RBI single from Marissa Jordan, followed by run-scoring hits from Liana Gonzalez and Kai DeLeon to take a 3-0 lead.
- Humboldt answered in the bottom half when Hailey Meisenbach drove in Lauren Asia with an RBI single, cutting the deficit to 3-1.
- San Francisco State extended its lead in the fourth when DeLeon notched her second RBI of the game, making it 4-1.
- The Gators tacked on two more in the sixth behind a two-run single from Marley Gonzales, sealing the 6-1 win.
Despite the loss, the Jacks saw solid performances at the plate, collecting nine hits, led by Lauren Asia, who went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored. Meisenbach also recorded a multi-hit game, finishing 2-for-3 with an RBI.
In the circle, Alyssa Smokey (4-1) took her first loss of the season, allowing six runs on 11 hits while striking out seven over 5.2 innings. Rayna Ponce entered in relief, tossing 1.1 shutout innings with one strikeout.
San Francisco State's Elise Roy (4-0) earned the complete-game win, holding the Jacks to one run on nine hits with four strikeouts.
Up Next
Cal Poly Humboldt will look to bounce back as they continue CCAA play on Friday. The Jacks will return to the Bear River Complex for another conference doubleheader tomorrow against the Gators. First pitch is scheduled for 12 PM.
For more information on Cal Poly Humboldt softball, please visit humboldtathletics.com, download our mobile app, and follow us on all social media platforms.