Softball Splits Important Double-Header at Biola
4/5/08

Box Score (Game 1)
Box Score (Game 2)

In a double-header with major implications to the regional playoff picture, Cougar softball split a pair of games at Biola University on Saturday.  CSUSM won the first 4-2, but lost the second 4-0.

The Cougars are now 23-11 on the season, while Biola is 18-18.

Game one saw Cougar ace Melissa Lerno turn in her usual excellent start.  Lerno went all seven innings, allowing just three hits and two runs (one earned), while striking out eight and walking three.

CSUSM got on the board early.  Elizabeth Bush got the ball rolling with a leadoff single on the first pitch, and after Erica Coelho was hit by a pitch, Shanti Poston drove in the run with an RBI single.

Biola got the run back in the bottom of the inning, but the Cougars went right back on top in the second.  Lauren Nelson led off with a single, and scored after a Lise Leibl single got past the left fielder. 

The 2-1 lead would be extended to 4-1 in the fourth.  Lerno led off with a single, Marly Barth was hit by a pitch, and after an out they were sacrificed over by Holly Russell.  Leibl came up with two outs, and as usual put pressure on the defense - reaching on an error that allowed both runs to score.

Biola threatened in the bottom half of the inning, but Lerno limited the damage to one run.  It was smooth sailing after that, as Lerno threw three hitless innings to close out the 4-2 victory.

Game two would unfortunately not go as smoothly.  Lerno started that contest as well, but was knocked out after one inning by a Keena Levert three-run homer in the first.  Brenna Sandberg was outstanding in relief, allowing just one unearned run over five innings - but it wasn't enough, as the San Marcos offense couldn't get anything going off of Biola's Lyndsie Roberts.  

Lerno, Russell, and Leibl were the only Cougars to record hits in game two - but a killer double-play in the sixth eliminated CSUSM's best chance to plate a run, and  Biola held on for the 4-0 victory.

San Marcos softball is now in the most important stretch of its season - the squad will host powerhouse Concordia next Saturday for a pair of huge games.