By Max Garcia (@Maxgarci09)-Spear Reporter
SJSU softball (6-6) started the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic by splitting Friday’s doubleheader, dropping a 1-9 contest to California State Northridge (4-8) before bouncing back with a 10-1 win over Howard University’s Bisons (4-5).
The first game was tough for the Spartans batting as the only run scored came from SJSU right fielder Carly Cummings with a single up the middle leading Shay McDowell to score.
In the second game, the batting for the Spartans came alive as they finished the day with both SJSU third baseman Taylor Chillingworth and SJSU shortstop Ahmiya Noriega leading the way for the win.
“Overall, a great team effort today to come back from that first loss and come back and take a five-inning run-rule game a second game,” head coach Tammy Lohmann said. “It’s a true testament to a team that can compete and continues to turn things back.”
Noriega finished the second game 2-for-3 with two triples, four RBIs, and two runs scored and now leads the nation with six triples on the season, has hit a triple in five of her last six games, and tops her team with 11 RBIs.
Chillingworth, a redshirt freshman, finished 2-for-2 with a home run, a single, 3 RBIs, and one run scored, and her home run was the first of her career.
SJSU pitcher Lacie Ham got the start and delivered a dominant performance, going five innings to secure the complete game win while recording seven strikeouts and surrendering one run on one hit.
The Spartans will continue the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic against No. 15 Nebraska and LMU on Saturday, Feb. 23 at Big League Dreams Sports Parks.
