After Statement Split, ‘Jacks Set Sights on Otters
Max Combs
ARCATA, Calif. – The Cal Poly Humboldt softball team returns home this weekend for another important stretch of conference action as the Lumberjacks host Cal State Monterey Bay for a four-game CCAA series at Humboldt Softball Field.
Humboldt will face the Otters in a doubleheader on Friday, Apr. 3 at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., followed by another doubleheader on Saturday, Apr. 4 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The Lumberjacks enter the weekend 15-18 overall and 5-7 in CCAA play, coming off one of their most impressive series performances of the season after splitting four games on the road against No. 3 Cal State East Bay.
LAST TIME OUT
The Lumberjacks are coming off a strong and confidence-building weekend in Hayward, where they battled one of the top teams in the nation to a four-game series split.
Humboldt opened the series on Friday by nearly stealing the opener before East Bay earned a narrow 6-5 walk-off victory in game one. The 'Jacks showed resilience throughout, erasing an early deficit behind RBI efforts from Rylee Banks, Marissa Brody, and Katlyn Gifford, who delivered a clutch two-run double to tie the game in the fourth inning. Alyssa Ramirez led the way offensively with a two-hit performance that included a pair of doubles and three runs scored.
The Lumberjacks responded in emphatic fashion in game two, exploding for seven runs in the first inning on the way to a 9-0 run-rule victory over the nationally-ranked Pioneers. Humboldt finished with 13 hits in the contest, highlighted by a perfect 4-for-4 day from Ramirez. Brody added two hits and two RBI, while Banks, Olivia Hurtado, Lauren Aubrey, and Alexa Garcia all contributed RBI. In the circle, Lily Fournier tossed a complete-game shutout to secure one of Humboldt's biggest wins of the season.
Saturday brought more momentum for the 'Jacks, who opened the day with an 8-2 victory in one of their most complete performances of the year. Humboldt racked up 12 hits and six doubles, applying pressure throughout the game and taking control early with a four-run second inning. Hurtado capped the effort with a solo home run, while Mason Hatton earned the win and Fournier closed things out in relief.
In the series finale, Humboldt again showed offensive firepower by jumping out to a 5-2 lead behind three home runs before East Bay rallied late for an 11-5 win. Shelby Shanks, Brody, and Alexa Garcia each homered in the contest as the Lumberjacks once again proved capable of producing against elite competition.
Across the four-game series, Humboldt totaled 43 hits, scored 27 runs, and earned two victories over one of the nation's top programs. The weekend showcased the Lumberjacks' offensive depth, resilience, and ability to compete with the top of the CCAA.
OTTERS IN TOWN
This weekend presents another important opportunity for Humboldt as the Lumberjacks continue conference play at home against Cal State Monterey Bay (22-13, 7-9 CCAA).
With the midpoint of the CCAA schedule approaching, every conference game continues to carry added weight. Humboldt will look to build off the momentum from its Cal State East Bay series and carry that confidence into another competitive four-game set.
The Lumberjacks have shown a growing ability to string together offense throughout the lineup, and that depth has become one of the team's biggest strengths. Players like Shanks, Ramirez, Brody, Banks, Gifford, Hurtado, Aubrey, and Garcia have all delivered key production in recent weeks, giving Humboldt multiple ways to generate runs.
The pitching staff has also continued to settle in, with Fournier and Hatton both turning in key performances during the East Bay series. As Humboldt returns to Arcata, consistent work in the circle and timely hitting will again be critical against another conference opponent.
Playing back at Humboldt Softball Field gives the Lumberjacks another chance to capitalize on home-field momentum as they continue to push for position in the CCAA standings.
HOW TO FOLLOW ALONG
Cal Poly Humboldt vs. Cal State Monterey Bay: Game 1 - Friday, Apr. 3, 1 p.m. - Watch |
Live Stats
Cal Poly Humboldt vs. Cal State Monterey Bay: Game 2 - Friday, Apr. 3, 3 p.m. - Watch |
Live Stats
Cal Poly Humboldt vs. Cal State Monterey Bay: Game 3 - Saturday, Apr. 4, 11 a.m. - Watch |
Live Stats
Cal Poly Humboldt vs. Cal State Monterey Bay: Game 4 - Saturday, Apr. 4, 1 p.m. - Watch |
Live Stats
UP NEXT
Following this weekend's series, Cal Poly Humboldt will continue CCAA play on the road as the Lumberjacks prepare for another key stretch of conference competition at home against Cal State San Bernardino.
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