By Briannah McGee – Spear Reporter | Head Coach Lohmann high-fives senior Reina Zermeno after another run earned against Cal (photo by Spear photographer Aaliyah Stuart)
San Jose State (13-28, 5-13 MW) picked up a strong conference road win with a 10-5 victory over Utah State (18-27, 6-12 MW) at LaRee & LeGrand Johnson Field. Their win was powered by timely hitting and a standout performance at the plate from sophomore infielder Reina Zermeno.
SJSU’s biggest moment came when Zermeno ripped a two-run triple into the right-center gap, driving in two runs and putting the game out of reach. Zermeno was the difference all afternoon, finishing 3-for-4 with four RBIs and continuing to be one of the Spartans’ most reliable hitters.
Offensively, SJSU didn’t rely on just one inning—they kept the pressure on. Senior Shay McDowell came through with multiple clutch hits, including an RBI double and later scoring on a defensive mistake to extend the lead.
Senior outfielder Leata Sherlin delivered one of the most impactful swings earlier in the game, clearing the bases with a double that completely shifted momentum in the Spartans’ favor.
Junior outfielder Carly Cummings also contributed with an RBI single, while players like senior infielder Haley Reeve, junior utility player Sophia Burdick and freshman infielder Ahmiya Noriega all played roles in building out the Spartans’ 15-hit performance—one of their highest totals of the season.
In the circle, junior pitcher Norah Coulsell got the start, but it was sophomore pitcher Delaney Faus who really steadied things, shutting down Utah State for over three innings and limiting any chance of a comeback.
“Just loved our defense today, solid behind our pitching staff,” SJSU head coach Tammy Lohmann said.
Overall, this felt like a complete offensive performance from SJSU, using timely hitting and depth across the lineup to secure a much-needed conference win.
The Spartans will close out the series against Utah State at 10:00 a.m. PST on Sunday at LaRee & LeGrand Johnson Field. The game can be watched on Mountain West Network.
