CSUN Softball Swept in Saturday Doubleheader at Easton Classic
FULLERTON, Calif. – The CSUN softball team suffered a pair of defeats on Saturday at the Easton Classic, falling to Ole Miss 10-1 in the morning game and then succumbing to a dominant performance by Boise State, 24-6.
Matadors Fall to Ole Miss in First Game
CSUN struck first against Ole Miss, scoring the game’s opening run in the bottom of the first inning. Madison Okano led off with a single, advanced to scoring position on a bunt single by Emma Lopez, and scored when Vanessa Perez grounded out to second base.
Ole Miss responded in the third, tying the game on a wild pitch after loading the bases. The Rebels took a lead they wouldn’t relinquish in the fourth inning when Cassie Reasner hit a solo home run to left field, making the score 2-1. Ole Miss extended their advantage in the fifth with a three-run home run from Persy Llamas, pushing the lead to 5-1. The Rebels then broke the game open in the sixth, scoring five runs on four hits, highlighted by a three-run double to left-center by Reasner.
The Matadors managed four hits in the contest, with Okano, Lopez, Raegan Jackson, and Perez each recording a hit. Kaitlyn Tso took the loss in the circle, allowing five runs in four innings, while Perseus Yanez pitched the final two frames in relief. Ole Miss pitcher Kyra Aycock earned the win, limiting CSUN to one run while striking out four over six innings.
Boise State Overpowers CSUN in Second Game
CSUN started strong against Boise State, scoring twice in the bottom of the first inning. After Okano reached base to begin the frame, the Matadors capitalized with productive outs, including a sacrifice fly from Jadyn Nielsen and an RBI double down the left-field line by Makenzi Padilla, to take a 2-0 lead.
The Matadors added to their cushion in the third inning, continuing to manufacture runs with timely hitting and aggressive baserunning. Jackson scored after reaching base, and Nielsen delivered her second RBI of the game with a single to left-center, increasing CSUN’s lead to 4-0.
CSUN continued to apply pressure in the fourth inning as Savannah Simons scored on an RBI double by Isabella Hiner, extending the lead to 5-1.
The fifth inning proved to be the turning point, as Boise State dramatically shifted the momentum. Trailing 5-1, the Broncos sent nine batters to the plate and scored five runs to take a 6-5 lead. Mya Flindt delivered a crucial three-run home run to left field, immediately narrowing the gap. Boise State followed with back-to-back doubles and continued to pressure the Matadors with productive outs, including a sacrifice fly, to add more runs.
Boise State further increased their lead in the sixth inning, scoring two runs, before breaking the game open in the seventh with 16 additional runs.
CSUN managed to add a run in the seventh inning when Perez doubled to center field and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Rivas. The Matadors finished the game with 10 hits, including multi-hit performances from Nielsen, Padilla, and Amber Rivas.
Looking Ahead
CSUN will conclude their participation in the Easton Classic with a second matchup against Portland State on Sunday. First pitch is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., and live stats will be available on GoMatadors.com.
