By Brianna Huffmaster (@bhuffmaster2024) – Spear Reporter
The Spartan defense huddles up in between innings | Photo by Andrew Hartley – The Spear
San Jose State softball hosted the Silicon Valley I tournament at Spartan Softball Stadium on Friday.
After ending last weekend with a walk-off win, the Spartans had positive momentum going into the doubleheader against Seattle U and Cal Poly.
“We learned and realized all the little things that we need to continue to get better at,” SJSU head coach Tammy Lohmann said. “This week we were trying to find a way to compete every at-bat.”
The first game against Seattle U resulted in a 3-0 win.
The star of the game was pitcher Lacie Ham, who pitched a complete game shutout. This is her second straight complete game.
Ham is 2-0 to start the season. She gave up six hits and had two strikeouts.
“All of our pitchers have one word and it’s ‘dominate’,” Ham said. “That’s what I think about going into every game. Every inning is a new inning.”
Offensively, the team found ways to score with runners on base. Korie Thomas hit an RBI groundout in the second inning. Later in the sixth inning, Aneesa Almaguer hit an RBI single.
The energy carried into game two as the Spartans beat Cal Poly 3-1.
The offense started off strong with Shay McDowell hitting an RBI single in the first inning. This came after Aubrie Thomas doubled to left field.
In the third inning, Reina Zermeno hit a 2-run RBI triple that gave the Spartans the lead.
Similar to game one, the pitching was strong. Mia Reynolds pitched a complete game, giving up one run on eight hits and five strikeouts.
“I just went in attacking every batter and going one pitch at a time,” Reynolds said. “I like the energy surrounding me on the field and in the dugout”.
Ham and Reynolds showcased how dominant the pitching can be this season.
Pending weather, SJSU softball will continue to host the tournament all weekend. Another double header is set Saturday against Fordham and Portland State. For the Sunday finale, the team is scheduled to play against Cal Poly for the third time this season.
