SAN MARCOS, Calif. — Facing the No. 3 team in the nation on the road, Cal Poly Humboldt softball showed resilience and flashes of production Saturday, dropping a CCAA doubleheader to Cal State San Marcos at CSUSM Softball Field.
Despite the setbacks, the Lumberjacks (19-24, 10-12 CCAA) remain in strong position in the conference standings, sitting fourth with two weekends left in the regular season and firmly in the postseason picture.
Game 1 | Cal State San Marcos 4, Cal Poly Humboldt 1
In the opener, Humboldt held the Cougars scoreless through four innings behind a steady performance from Lily Fournier, who kept one of the nation's top offenses in check early.
San Marcos broke through in the fifth inning, capitalizing on a fielder's choice and an error to take a 1-0 lead. An RBI single up the middle extended the advantage before a two-run home run pushed the Cougars ahead 4-0.
The 'Jacks answered in the sixth. Lauren Aubrey reached with a single and Bridgette Boling entered as a pinch runner, eventually coming around to score on an RBI double to left center by Alyssa Ramirez to cut the deficit to 4-1.
Humboldt finished with two hits in the contest, with Ramirez and Aubrey accounting for both. Katlyn Gifford also reached base via walk as the 'Jacks looked to generate offense against one of the CCAA's top pitchers.
Fournier (9-11) turned in a solid outing, tossing a complete game while allowing just three earned runs and striking out two, keeping Humboldt within striking distance throughout.
Game 2 | Cal State San Marcos 10, Cal Poly Humboldt 2 (6 Innings)
In game two, the Lumberjacks again stayed within reach early before a big fourth inning from the Cougars created separation.
Humboldt showed fight late, plating two runs in the sixth inning. Alyssa Ramirez sparked the rally by reaching base, while Bella Garcia delivered a double and later scored. Shelby Shanks brought in a run with a sacrifice fly, and Katlyn Gifford followed with an RBI single to cap the scoring.
The 'Jacks recorded three hits in the game from Garcia, Gifford, and Matea Muraoka, while also drawing two walks and creating traffic on the bases. Marissa Brody added a stolen base and reached safely as well.
In the circle, Ariana Bottel battled through 3.2 innings, limiting damage across multiple tight situations, while Mason Hatton provided relief and struck out a pair over the final innings.
Up Next
Cal Poly Humboldt returns home next weekend for its final regular season series, hosting Chico State in a pivotal CCAA matchup at the Humboldt Softball Field.
The series carries significant postseason implications, with the 'Jacks currently holding fourth place in the conference standings and the Chico State Wildcats clawing right behind in fifth place.
Saturday will also serve as Senior Day, honoring the program's graduating student-athletes.
