Courtesy of Cal State Fullerton Athletics
FULLERTON, Calif. — The Cal State Fullerton softball team were led by junior Desiree Ybarra who notched her first two victories of the season in a seventh-inning rally over No. 21 Notre Dame, 8-7, and a 6-4 decision over Northwestern State in day two of the SoCal Collegiate Challenge at Anderson Family Field on Saturday.
With another pair of victories, the Titans reach 4-0, while Notre Dame falls to 3-1 and Northwestern State remains winless (0-4).
Cal State Fullerton will host No. 21 Notre Dame for a second meeting in the tournament finale at 10 a.m.
GAME ONE: Cal State Fullerton 8, No. 21 Notre Dame 7
In a back and forth game with three lead changes heading into the bottom of the seventh trailing 7-6, Cal State Fullerton had three last outs to muster up a come from behind victory.
CSF sophomore Kylie Padilla reached base after being hit by a pitch, followed by junior Samantha Galarza reaching base on a fielder’s choice off Notre Dame relief pitcher Allie Rhodes (1-1). Freshman Shianne Brannan singled to right driving in Padilla to tie the contest. Junior Sarah Moore drew a walk to load the bases. Fullerton, Calif., native Gabby Rodas fouled off pitch after pitch to eventually draw a walk to drive in the game-winning run to seal Cal State Fullerton’s first win over a top 25 team in 2015.
The Titans’ offense was led by reigning Big West Player of the Year Missy Taukeiaho, who registered a 3-for-3 performance, driving in a pair of RBIs in her first two-homer game as a Titan. Mizzou transfer Sarah Moore (1-for-2) also launched her first career round-tripper as a Titan, concluding the game with two RBIs and one walk.
Getting the start for the Titans was Christina Washington, who labored in five innings surrendering five earned runs on seven hits. Jasmine Antunez came in for relief, but failed to record an out after yielding three consecutive walks. After picking up her first save of the season in a 3-1 victory over Idaho St. last night, Desiree Ybarra (1-0) notched her first victory after tossing the final two frames giving up just one run on two hits.
Rhodes suffered the loss after surrendering three runs on three hits as another trio of walks proved to be the difference. Fighting Irish starter Rachel Nasland tossed four innings giving up five runs on nine hits, while striking out a pair.
GAME TWO: Cal State Fullerton 6, Northwestern State 4
