TRACY, Calif. — Cal Poly Humboldt closed out the weekend in strong fashion Sunday morning, defeating MSU Billings 5-2 at the Tracy Sports Complex to secure its third consecutive victory.

With the win, the Lumberjacks improved their momentum behind a balanced offensive attack and a steady outing in the circle from Ariana Bottel. Following the tournament's conclusion, Shelby Shanks, Marissa Brody, and Alyssa Ramirez were each named to the All-Tournament Team for their performances over the weekend.

Humboldt struck first in the opening inning when Shelby Shanks delivered a ground-rule double to bring home Alyssa Ramirez for a 1-0 lead. The Jacks added to their advantage in the third as Bottel helped her own cause with an RBI single up the middle, scoring Marisol Gomez to make it 2-0.

MSU Billings answered in the fourth on an RBI double by Tovar, but the Green and Gold responded once again. In the fifth, Bottel recorded her second RBI single of the game, scoring Brody and extending the lead to 3-1.

The Yellowjackets cut the deficit to 3-2 in the sixth, capitalizing on a fielder's choice and a Humboldt error. However, the Jacks created separation in the seventh inning. Gomez laid down a sacrifice bunt that brought in Brody, who later scored on a Billings error. Olivia Hurtado followed with a triple to right center, plating Matea Muraoka to account for the final 5-2 margin.

Bottel (2-2) earned the win after tossing five innings, allowing just one run on five hits while striking out three. Lily Fournier worked the sixth inning, and Mason Hatton closed the door in the seventh, striking out two to secure the victory.

At the plate, Humboldt tallied 10 hits. Bottel led the way with a 3-for-3 performance and two RBIs. Shanks went 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI, while Brody scored twice. Hurtado added a triple and an RBI, and Ramirez reached base twice and swiped a bag.

Defensively, the Jacks limited MSU Billings to two runs despite eight hits.

Cal Poly Humboldt will look to carry its three-game winning streak into its next contest as the Lumberjacks begin conference play after their bye week on March 13 at San Francisco State. 

For more information on Cal Poly Humboldt softball, visit humboldtathletics.com, download our mobile app on Apple iOS or Google Android, and follow the Lumberjacks on Instagram, Twitter/X, and Facebook.

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