Softball team splits first CCAA doubleheader of the season

Patrick Pace // February 15, 2016

Senior Alli Cook runs to steal third base at the game against Dominican University on Feb. 7. Photo credit: Lindsay Pincus

In their first doubleheader of the season against the Sonoma State Seawolves, the Chico State softball team lost its first game 5-0, but came back strong and won the second 1-0.

The split puts them at 4-2 on the season.

Game 1: The Wildcats started the game off strong, ending the first inning with a strikeout by sophomore pitcher Haley Gilham. However, the Seawolves opened up the game in the second inning, scoring five runs and putting themselves in front.

Though Sonoma State did not score any more throughout the rest of the game, the lead proved to be too much for the Wildcats to overcome. They were only able to get three hits in the game and eventually lost 5-0.

First-year Ari Marsh- 1 H

Junior Cyrena Taylor- 1 H

Sophomore Haley Gilham- 7 IP, 5 K, 8 H, 5 R

Junior Cyrena Taylor winds up her swing to hit the ball during the game against Dominican University on Feb. 7. Photo credit: Lindsay Pincus

Game 2: This game was a pitching duel from start to finish. Both pitchers held the opposing offense scoreless until the top of the fifth inning, when first-year Melanie Abzun scored off of an RBI double from first-year Ari Marsh.

The lead proved to be enough of a cushion for senior pitchers Brooke Langeloh and Cheyenne Sandoval. Langeloh was brilliant in the game, pitching the ‘Cats out of a jam in the sixth inning when the Seawolves had the bases loaded.

Sandoval closed the game in the seventh, and the ‘Cats beat the Seawolves 1-0 to end the game.

First-year Ari Marsh- 2 H, 1 RBI

First-year Melanie Abzun- 1 H, 1 R

Senior Brooke Langeloh- 6 IP, 7 K, 0 R

The ‘Cats play their first doubleheader against Cal State Monterey Bay on Feb. 19 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Patrick Pace can be reached at [email protected] or @PatPaceSports on Twitter.