SAN FRANCISCO – The San Francisco State softball team once again found the going tough against Cal State Monterey Bay, dropping its second straight doubleheader on Saturday at SFSU Softball Field. The Gators suffered a 4-1 setback in game one before experiencing a 9-1 defeat in the nightcap. With the sweep, SF State is now 4-9 overall and 1-7 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association, while the Otters improve to 6-8-1 overall and 4-0 in conference play.
In game one, the Otters dented the scoreboard on Ashlee Trotter's RBI single in the top of the first inning and later increased their lead to 4-0 in the third, picking up an unearned run on an SF State error, followed by Shelly Rowell's two-run homer to left.
SF State threatened in its half of the fifth, but could not cut into the deficit. Jessica Delgado (Monterey, California, North Monterey, Cal State Monterey Bay) and Danielle Chapman (San Jose, California, Westmont, San Jose City College) each delivered singles, while Karolyn Gubbine (Richmond, California, Pinole Valley) drew a two-out walk to load the bases. However, CSUMB's Jessica Boyle relieved starter Rowell and induced a groundout to get out of the jam.
The Gators plated its lone run of the contest in the sixth after Delgado laced a single up the middle to score Lauren Candia (Novato, California, San Marin, University of San Francisco), who was inserted as a pinch runner after Kelsey Wood (San Jose, California, Lynbrook) led off the frame with a double down the right field line.
Rowell (4-2) pitched 4 2/3 scoreless innings to earn the victory, while Boyle finished the game to pick up the save. SF State starter Ashley Jackson (Vallejo, California, St. Patrick-St. Vincent) (2-3) was saddled with the loss, allowing just two earned runs on seven hits and four walks in five innings.
The Gators were unable to generate any momentum in the nightcap either, producing just one run on three hits as the Otters built a commanding 7-0 lead and never looked back. SF State ended its scoring drought in the fifth when Kelsey Wood drove in Chapman with a one-out single.
Boyle (3-2) pocketed the win in three innings of relief, while Kendra Wood (San Jose, California, Lynbrook) (0-3) gave up four runs on seven hits and three walks in the defeat.
The Gators return to action on Wednesday, Feb. 25, when they play host to the Academy of Art University in a non-conference doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m.
Game One Box Score
Game Two Box Score
