UCSD softball squared off against Vanguard University in an intense doubleheader Feb. 2. Leea Harlan was on the mound for the Tritons and threw a no-hit shutout in the first game against the Lions, but this 1-0 victory wasn’t easy.
Both UCSD and Vanguard battled in a scoreless tie until the Tritons scored the winning and only run of the game at the top of the seventh inning.
UCSD led off the first inning and immediately took control with two hits off of Vanguard pitcher Gina Liebengood, who allowed only four Triton hits in the first game. In the third inning, UCSD tried to get something started by instituting and executing the short game.
Triton third baseman Amy Mettee bunted and reached first base on an error by the Lions, and later advanced to second off of a ground out by UCSD left fielder Kristina Anderson. But this effort was to no avail. The next batter struck out and ended the inning. Defensively, Harlan continued to drop the Lions in succession as they came to the plate.
As the game was approaching the end of regulation, UCSD shortstop Kim Aggabao initiated the offensive attack and doubled in the top of the seventh inning. Sophomore Jamie Hurst followed by successfully executing a bunt that advanced Aggabao to third base. First baseman Martinelli proceeded to drive in Aggabao by smacking a shot to right center field.
Vanguard threatened at the bottom of the seventh. Third baseman Jill Jessen walked and then advanced to second base, which put her in scoring position for the Lions. The Tritons stayed tough and earned the victory when Lion Cheri Smith grounded out to third, ending the game.
The second game began just as the first.
The Tritons got two hits from Mettee and Harlan, who both singled off of Lion pitcher Marcia Ball in the top of the first.
UCSD head coach Patti Gerckens gave freshman pitcher Keri Hanley the start.
In the first, Vanguard’s Ashley Mauro and Celina Camarillo took advantage of the inexperienced freshman and lined two shots of their own. Offensively, Triton Christi Martinelli singled to center field in the third, while defensively, pitcher Hanley took down the next three Lion batters. Martinelli entered the game and pitched five innings in relief for the Tritons.
Things started heating up in the top of the sixth when, with one out, Triton Kristina Anderson doubled to left field. Harlan then singled to left field and reached second base on the throw to the plate while Anderson rounded the bases and scored. Aggabao continued the Triton rally when she singled to right field, advancing Harlan to third. Right fielder Jamie Hurst then singled down the right field line. Harlan scored on the hit and Aggabao advanced to third.
With two runners left on base, the Tritons popped up and struck out to end the inning, but the damage had been done. The four-hit, two-run inning was too much for the Lions to overcome.
The last inning-and-a-half went runless, hitless and errorless for both teams.
UCSD pitchers Hanley and Martinelli combined to shut out Vanguard University in this second game of the nonconference doubleheader. Martinelli earned the win and helped the Tritons improve to 5-0 overall while the Lions dropped to 4-5.
The Tritons open their season at home against league rival UC Davis on Friday, Feb. 8 and then host Chico State University on Feb. 9.
At 5-0, UCSD is confident heading into CCAA action, and will work to remain undefeated.
