By Max Miller — Reporter
San Jose State Softball got its first victory of the season over Saint Mary’s College by a score of 7-4 on Friday. SJSU improves its record to 1-3 while the Gales fall to 5-5.
The game was close throughout with each team trading leads, but the sixth inning is where it turned in favor of SJSU. The Spartans came to bat down 4-3 when freshman infielder Ashley Rico stepped up to the plate with two runners on. Rico hit her first career home run to give the Spartans a 6-4 lead.
Junior Arianna Miranda hit an RBI single to score Junior Alyssa Graham to make it 7-4. Graham continues to be the Spartans’ best hitter. Graham had another three hits which brought her batting average to .636. She also leads the team in runs scored with three. With Rico behind Graham in the lineup, these two are the perfect one-two punch that the Spartans need.
Senior pitcher Caroline Bowman got the start once again and came out strong. Bowman finished her outing with 4.1 innings pitched giving up four runs, three earned, while only allowing seven hits. Although she still struggled to avoid contact she was able to get the out when needed.
Junior pitcher Jenessa Ullegue picked up her first win of the year in relief. Ullegue struck out three and only allowed a single hit in 1.2 innings.
The Spartans will look to continue their momentum in a doubleheader rematch against Saint Mary’s College on Sunday in Moraga, Calif., beginning at noon.
Follow Max on Twitter at @SJSUMaxMiller
