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Softball Upsets USD! |
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Brenna Sandberg's brilliance on the mound and Holly Russell's clutch hitting keyed the most impressive victory in CSUSM softball history on Thursday, as the Cougars bested the University of San Diego 2-1. The win, Cougar softball's first ever over an NCAA Division-I opponent, brings the squad to 21-9 on the season. It was payback for the 6-0 loss that USD handed them a few weeks ago - a game that was much closer than the score indicated. In that first game against USD, a clearly-nervous CSUSM squad did itself in with uncharacteristic mental errors leading to unearned runs. Today, the Cougars showed none of that nervousness, and it was the Torreros committing the game's killer error. Down 1-0 in the fourth inning, the Cougar lineup rallied. Erica Coelho led off with a single, and was sacrificed over by Shanti Poston. After the second out was made, Lauren Nelson reached on what should have been the final out of the inning. But the play was botched, giving Holly Russell an opportunity with runners at the corners - and Russell delivered, crushing a triple to left that plated both runs. And thanks to Brenna Sandberg, that's all CSUSM would need. The righty has quietly put together an outstanding season, and Thursday was her best effort yet. Facing USD's powerful lineup, Sandberg went the distance, surrendering just 3 hits and a first inning run. While not overpowering, Sandberg threw strikes (just one walk), and relied on her defense - which came through in a big way, not committing a single error. USD committed two. Coach Kelly Warren's squad is
gaining poise and confidence as the season progresses, and is
proving they have the talent to play with anyone. You can
catch them at Mission Hills High on Saturday against Hope
International, starting at noon. |