By Jasmina Lara – Spear Reporter | Seniors Ahmiya Noriega and Reina Zermano sharing a moment during a game against New Mexico on April 24, 2026. (Photo by Max Garcia – Spear Photographer)
San Jose State softball (15-30, 7-15 MW) closed out its home series in memorable fashion on Sunday, defeating University of New Mexico (23-25, 10-12 MW) 4-1 on Senior Day.
The win came after a tough 8-0 loss to the Lobos in Saturday’s matchup, giving the Spartans a strong finish in their final home game.
Making it a special Senior Day for senior infielder Reina Zermano who extended her hit streak to eight and senior utility player Shay McDowell extending hers to seven.
Following along with her fellow seniors, infielder Ahmiya Noriega delivered the highlight of the day with just two outs and a 2-0 count in the fifth inning where she sent a ball down the first-base line that stayed fair.
This allowed her to run all the way home safely, securing the game 4-1 on senior day and sealed the momentum.
The Lobos struck first in the second inning on a sacrifice fly to the right of the field, but the Spartans answered immediately at the bottom of the half inning.
Freshman utility player Leata Sherlin sparked the response with a double down the right-field line.
That was followed by McDowell’s first pitch double into right center gap, allowing Sherlin to be brought home.
Sophomore utility player Taylor Chillingworth delivered a big swing that lined a triple to right center, allowing sophomore infielder Gigi Ortega and McDowell to take the Spartans to a 3-1 lead.
Freshman utility player Delaney Faus anchored the win with another complete performance allowing just five hits and one run while striking out four Lobos. It marked her second complete-game that resulted in a victory.
The Spartans will head on the road to close the season with a three-game series against Boise State at 5 p.m. Thursday in Boise, Idaho.
