By Aaliyah Stuart – Spear Reporter (@liyas.flix)| [Ahmiya Noriega swings at a pitch to hit the ball] (Photo by Matthew Meyer – Spear Photographer)
San Jose State softball (11-26, 3-11 MW) took on Colorado State University (record) in a doubleheader at Colorado State, finishing the day out 0-2, losing both games 5-2.
Late offensive attempts from the Spartans in the first game included a single, a double, and a sacrifice bunt to put runners into scoring position. Senior infielder Ahmiya Noriega went 6-for-7 today from the plate, having a perfect offensive appearance in the second game, going 3-for-3.
The Spartans and Rams engaged in a stalemate for most of the first game until SJSU took the lead at the top of the fifth inning.
While the Rams scored first in the third inning from a single, Noriega struck back with a two-run RBI double, bringing in junior outfielder Carly Cummings and freshman outfielder Sophia Burdwick. The Spartans had a total of seven hits this game, besting Colorado’s three hits.
The Spartans’ offensive fire did not last, as the Rams came back shortly to finish the game 5-2. CSU’s redshirt sophomore infielder Allyson Moody’s triple, followed by a single to right field and a sacrifice fly to center field, saw three runs scored, winning the game for the Rams.
The second game opened with the Spartans first on the board with singles from junior outfielder Haley Reeve and Noriega. Despite the Spartans’ eight hits in the second game, they struggled to turn their hits into runs.
“[We] got to come back to work and take on San Diego State this weekend,” SJSU head coach Tammy Lohmann said via X.
SJSU’s defensive efforts in both games were led by freshmen utility players Delaney Faus and Norah Coulsell, who combined for a total of 134 strikes thrown. Faus, who pitched the first game, had two strikeouts. Coulsell threw 66 in the second game.
Following its matchup against Colorado State, SJSU will face San Diego State for its next conference game at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, at the Spartan Softball Complex.
