ARCATA, Calif. — Cal Poly Humboldt came from behind twice on Friday afternoon, sweeping NorCal rival Chico State in a crucial CCAA doubleheader at Humboldt Softball Field. The 'Jacks rallied for a 3-1 walk-off win in game one before using a six-run inning to secure a 6-3 victory in game two, tightening the postseason race.
With the pair of wins, Humboldt improves to 21-24 overall and evens its conference record at 12-12, while Chico State drops to 16-22 (10-16 CCAA).
GAME ONE: LATE-INNING HEROICS LIFT 'JACKS, 3-1
Locked in a pitcher's duel for much of the opener, Cal Poly Humboldt leaned on a dominant performance from Lily Fournier and timely power at the plate to secure the comeback victory.
Fournier (11-12) was nearly untouchable in the circle, allowing just one hit and one run over seven innings while striking out six. The left-hander kept the Wildcats off balance all game, facing just 23 batters in a complete-game effort.
Chico State struck first in the third inning, capitalizing on its lone hit of the game to take a 1-0 lead. That advantage held until the sixth, when Marissa Brody delivered a game-tying solo home run to left field, her fourth of the season.
In the seventh, the 'Jacks completed the comeback in dramatic fashion. After Hailee Moore reached and set the stage, Alexa Garcia blasted a walk-off two-run home run to left center, sealing the 3-1 victory and igniting the home crowd.
Humboldt finished with five hits, including multi-hit efforts from Brody and Garcia. Fournier's one-hitter marked one of her most efficient outings of the season and set the tone for the day.
GAME TWO: SIX-RUN SURGE POWERS FRIDAY SWEEP
Game two saw another early deficit, but once again the 'Jacks responded—this time with a decisive offensive explosion.
After Chico State plated two runs in the first inning and added another in the third, Humboldt flipped the game in the bottom of the second with a six-run inning, capitalizing on defensive miscues and clutch hitting.
The rally featured RBI contributions from Bella Garcia, Shelby Shanks, and Marissa Brody, while aggressive base-running and pressure forced three Wildcat errors in the frame. Shanks led the offense with a 3-for-4 performance and two RBI, while Brody added two hits and an RBI of her own. Moore also scored and contributed to the momentum shift.
In the circle, Humboldt used a staff approach before turning again to Fournier, who shut the door. Entering in relief, Fournier tossed four scoreless innings, allowing no hits while striking out two to earn her second win of the day.
UP NEXT
With momentum building and the postseason race tightening, the 'Jacks will look to carry Friday's energy into the remainder of the series on Saturday against Chico State.
Saturday's doubleheader will serve as Senior Day to honor the six seniors on the Lumberjack roster—Siona Halwani, Alexa Garcia, Bella Garcia, Shelby Shanks, Alyssa Ramirez, and Katlyn Gifford. The senior ceremony will take place after both games have concluded. It will also be Youth Day, and kids will have the opportunity postgame to receive signed posters from the softball team.
The doubleheader will start at 12:00pm from Humboldt Softball Field.
