CSUDH Women’s Softball join hands on the diamond. Photo by Chris Perry
By Julia McIntyre Staff Reporter
California State University, Dominguez Hills Softball walked away victorious against San Francisco State University in a doubleheader on Feb. 26. Each game was a one-run difference, 4-3 and 7-6. The two Toro wins meant they swept the Gators in the season series as the two other scheduled games were canceled due to rain.
The stormy weather did not set CSUDH off balance. Toro outfielder, Kianna Abellera, said, “You can’t really anticipate the weather, especially for an outdoor sport. We practice to always stay ready and to be prepared whether it’s perfect weather or extreme weather that causes delays.”
Abellera, a senior, recorded three putouts during the first game of the doubleheader. It is one of her highest of the season, adding, “It’s a great feeling to do whatever I can for my pitchers and for my team and those outs did the job,” said Abellera, “Nothing is better than getting the job done for my girls.”
Alongside Abellera, the game leaders of the first match of the day were sophomore, Kaylee Hull, with nine putouts and senior, Alani Nguyen, with three hits and two RBIs. It is one of Nguyen’s season highs for hits this far.
In the second match junior, Jay Ross also recorded a season-high with three hits. She went 3-4 at the dish with two runs scored and two RBI. Senior, Raquel Jaime, stood out at the plate with two hits and two RBI. The offensive explosion season highs for Jaime, as well as her three putouts on defense.
From offense to defense, on the plate to out on the field, CSUDH made moves to send SFSU home feeling powerless. Junior, Maiya Lopez, showed her fielding skills as she helped guide the Toros to success with six putouts during the first game. Lopez had a combined total of nine putouts after the completed doubleheader.
Pitcher, Sarah Bhatt, secured each win against SFSU and earned a season-high of four strikeouts during the second game. The newly added pitcher earned a combined total of six strikeouts on the mound and now has a career total of 13 strikeouts with CSUDH.
The Toros have a six-game winning streak against the Gators that traces back to April 2022. When asked what CSUDH is bringing to the table to keep up these defeats and powerful streaks, Abellera said, “We as a softball program have continuously worked on playing the invisible opponent every game we play in. Meaning we compete against every opponent no matter the team name or status and I believe that is how we’ve been successful.”
The reigning champs continue to show their persistence, toughness, and energy as they proceed through the season. After this triumphant doubleheader, season highs were made for many Toros, and it will not be the last as softball season continues and we enter Spring.
