CHICO, Calif. – Cal Poly Humboldt softball suffered its first series loss of the season after dropping both games of Saturday's doubleheader to Chico State at Wildcat Field. The Lumberjacks (18-11, 7-7 CCAA) fell 7-3 in game one despite an early two-run homer from Katlyn Gifford, as the Wildcats (16-10, 8-8 CCAA) took advantage of defensive miscues and timely hitting. In game two, Humboldt struggled offensively and was limited to four hits in a 12-1, five-inning loss, as Chico State broke the game open with a five-run third and a seven-run fourth. 

Game 1 - Chico State 7, Cal Poly Humboldt 3
Cal Poly Humboldt Falls to Chico State in Game One of Saturday's Doubleheader

Cal Poly Humboldt Softball (18-10, 7-6 CCAA) dropped the first game of Saturday's doubleheader and game three of the series, falling to Chico State (15-10, 7-8 CCAA) by a score of 7-3 at Wildcat Field.

The Lumberjacks struck first in the top of the second inning when Katlyn Gifford launched a two-run home run to right field, scoring Vanessa Saltos and giving Humboldt an early 2-0 advantage.

Chico State responded in the bottom of the third with an RBI double from Gracie Dunning, cutting the Lumberjacks' lead to 2-1. The Wildcats then took the lead in the fourth, capitalizing on a Humboldt fielding error that allowed two runs to score, making it 3-2 in favor of Chico State.

The Wildcats extended their lead in the fifth inning with back-to-back RBI hits, pushing the deficit to 5-2. Humboldt attempted to rally in the sixth when Marissa Brody delivered an RBI single, scoring Alexa Garcia and trimming the lead to 5-3. However, Chico State answered with two more runs in the bottom half of the inning to secure the 7-3 victory.

Gaige Garcia (10-3) took the loss for the Lumberjacks, pitching 4.2 innings while allowing seven hits, five runs (four earned), and striking out five. Riley Shopp came in for relief, throwing 1.1 innings and allowing two runs on three hits. Chico State's Amelie Valdez (8-6) went the distance, tossing seven innings and limiting Humboldt to six hits while striking out four.

Offensively, Gifford led the way for the 'Jacks with her second-inning home run, while Brody, Alyssa Ramirez, and Alyssa Smokey each added hits. Defensively, Humboldt struggled with three errors, which proved costly in key moments.

Game 2 - Chico State 12, Cal Poly Humboldt 1 (5 Innings)
Cal Poly Humboldt Drops First Series of the Season to Chico State in Doubleheader Finale

Cal Poly Humboldt softball saw its first series loss of the season after falling to Chico State 12-1 in five innings in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader at Wildcat Field. The Lumberjacks (18-11, 7-7 CCAA) split the first two games of the series but dropped both Saturday contests, evening their conference record at .500.

Humboldt struck first in the second inning when Vanessa Saltos scored on a fielder's choice RBI from Hailee Moore. However, Chico State (16-10, 8-8 CCAA) responded with a five-run third inning and a seven-run fourth, taking advantage of key extra-base hits and defensive miscues from the Lumberjacks.

Alyssa Smokey (5-4) took the loss, allowing five runs on five hits over 2.1 innings. Mason Hatton and Ariana Bottel combined for the remainder of the game, but walks and timely hitting from the Wildcats put the game out of reach.

Humboldt managed just four hits, with Bella Garcia going 2-for-3, including a double. The Wildcats were led by Hannah Levy, who went 3-for-3 with three RBIs, while Brianna Swihart added a three-run double to break the game open in the fourth.

Kylie Loertscher (3-2) earned the win for Chico State, holding Humboldt to one run on four hits while striking out four in five innings of work.

The Lumberjacks will look to bounce back next weekend when they return home to face first place Cal State East Bay (21-4, 9-3 CCAA) in another CCAA matchup that is currently scheduled at Humboldt Softball Field. First pitch of the series opener is set for Friday, March 21, at 1 p.m.

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