TURLOCK – An impressive weekend for the Chico State softball team came to a disappointing end Sunday, as the Wildcats – who won four of their first five in the Mizuno Tournament of Champions – dropped a 4-2 decision to Central Washington University at Pedretti Park in Turlock, eliminating the ’Cats from the tourney’s Gold Bracket competition.
Despite the loss, the weekend can only be considered a success for Chico State, which won its first four Tournament of Champions games, including a victory Saturday over the nation’s No. 18 team, Grand Canyon University. The Wildcats wrap up the weekend with a season record of 17-13.
Righthander Jessica McDermott, who allowed just two earned runs in 20 innings of work during the first two days of the Tournament of Champions, got the start for Chico State in Sunday’s game versus Central Washington. The sophomore from San Diego battled control problems in the first inning, issuing two walks and a hit batter, but escaped the frame unscathed. The Wildcats got on the scoreboard first, thanks to a pair of extra-base hits in the third inning – Christine Johnson laced a one-out triple down the right field line, scoring on the play on a Central Washington throwing error. Charlotte Honciano immediately followed with her second home run of the year, a solo shot to center field to give Chico State a 2-0 lead.
McDermott made the lead stand up until the bottom of the fourth inning, when Central Washington exploded for four runs – with two outs and nobody on, Molly Coppinger singled and came home on a pinch-hit triple by Carrina Wagner; two batters later, Keilani Cruz delivered an RBI single to tie the game. Caitlin Bryne took over the pitching duties for Chico State, but Samantha Petrich greeted her with a two-run double to left center, putting Central Washington on top 4-2. Chico State twice tried to climb back into the contest, but left two runners in scoring position in the fifth inning and stranded the bases loaded in the sixth. Surviving the two Chico State rallies, Central Washington pitcher Lauren Hadenfeld set down the Wildcats in order in the top of the seventh to nail down the 4-2 win over Chico State and advance to the Gold Bracket semifinals.
Hadenfeld (10-2) went the distance to pick up the victory, with McDermott (7-4) taking the loss for Chico State. The Wildcats had seven hits on the day, with Honciano, Christine Johnson and Courtney Brock collecting two safeties apiece.
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Chico State returns to California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) play next weekend, hosting Cal State San Bernardino Friday and Saturday in a pair of doubleheaders at University Softball Field. Friday’s twinbill gets underway at 1:00 p.m., with Saturday’s double dip starting at 10:00 a.m.
