By Aaliyah Stuart – Spear Reporter (liyas.flix)| Freshman utility player Leata Sherlin takes a swing at a pitch | (Photo by Aaliyah Stuart – Spear Photographer)
San Jose State softball (6-14, 0-0 MW) took on Santa Clara (9-13, 0-0 WCC) on the first day of the Silicon Valley Classic II, winning 3-2.
The Spartans’ offense was a sight to see, recording seven hits that helped them put runners in scoring position.
SJSU opened the first inning with a double by senior infielder Reina Zermeno, who later stole home on a passed ball to score the first run of the game.
“…We came out swinging, there’s still obviously things we need to work on,” senior utility Shay McDowell said.
The Broncos responded with a one-run double by junior infielder Cairah Curran in the third inning to score their first run, and a sacrifice fly in the fourth inning by junior catcher Taryn Clements to score their second.
With the Broncos in the lead, the Spartans made a terrific catch on a foul ball to the outfield and put them back into battle mode.
In the fifth inning, the Spartans rallied to secure their lead.
Senior infielder Ahmiya Noriega reached first base on a fielder’s choice, and Zermeno reached first base on a fielding error, capitalizing on the Broncos’ errors.
Freshman utility player Leata Sherlin hit a single up the middle to bring Noriega in, scoring the Spartans’ second run.
McDowell doubled to bring in Zermeno as the tie-breaking run.
From a defensive standpoint, the Spartans were on lock today with 47 total strikes. They have two freshmen pitchers to thank for that.
“They’re just great mentality. What I like is their growth, …and they can kind of bounce off each other as well,” SJSU head coach Tammy Lohmann said.
Freshman pitcher Delaney Faus opened up the first inning with three straight outs, catching a line drive as the final out of the inning.
Faus pitched a total of 53 pitches in her five innings, allowing three hits with one strikeout.
“I think it helps my confidence [pitching], as well, knowing that that [coaches] trust me and have confidence in me,” Faus said.
Freshman utility player Norah Coulsell pitched 24, allowing no hits with two strikeouts. The rest of the Spartan defense contributed 21 putouts and eight assisted plays.
The Spartans will look forward to continuing the Silicon Valley Classic II as they play a double header against Saint Mary’s College at 10 a.m. on Sunday at Spartan Softball Complex.
