Softball Takes Two at Hope
4/22/08

Box Score (Game One)
Box Score (Game two - currently unavailable)

Cougar softball solidified its bid for the Region II playoffs on Tuesday, sweeping Hope International in a double-header by scores of 2-0 and 7-2.

Melissa Lerno was brilliant on the mound as usual, throwing a three-hit shutout in game one.  It was a very clean and well-played contest for CSUSM:  the Cougars didn't commit an error, and Lerno didn't walk a single hitter.  

At the plate, the Cougar offense did just enough to win.  The squad's first three hitters - Elizabeth Bush, Nicolette Nassif, and Erica Coelho - all tallied two hits; but it was Lauren Nelson who delivered the go-ahead base hit in the sixth inning.  An error that same inning allowed Karen Morizi to score, giving CSUSM the 2-0 lead and eventual win.

In game two, starter Ashley Salvino threw four innings and allowed two runs, and Brenna Sandberg closed out the game on the mound.  The Cougar lineup provided plenty of support, plating seven runs en route to the 7-2 victory.

Game two box score was not readily available.

The Cougars only have one date left before the playoffs:  This Friday at La Sierra.