By Taylor Lupetti— Assistant Executive Editor
San Jose State softball (3-3) went into the final day of the Lion Classic I looking for redemption after yesterday’s loss to Nicholls State University (3-1) but fell again 4-2 to the Colonels.
The loss sent the Spartans home 2-3 at the end of the three-day tournament.
NSU wasted no time getting on the board in the bottom of the first when senior shortstop Amanda Gianelloni doubled to left field.
When NSU struck a two-run double in the bottom of the second against freshman pitcher Chrys Hildebrand, sophomore pitcher Caroline Bowman took the mound.
Colonel freshman pitcher Kennedy Hebert’s double brought NSU to 3-0 at the end of the inning.
The Colonels put up their fourth and final run of the game in the bottom of the fifth. NSU sophomore infielder Emma Holland singled, stole second and moved to third on a throwing error. Gianelloni then delivered an RBI groundout for a 4-0 lead.
Despite the Spartans’ best efforts, it wasn’t until the top of the sixth inning when junior outfielder Makayla Engelstad put SJSU on the board 4-1 thanks to a wild pitch.
Senior infielder Madison Aurin further cut the deficit when she reached on a fielder’s choice as Kaelin Amrein crossed home plate.
Although they didn’t allow the Colonels to score in the seventh, the Spartans didn’t find the runs they needed to win.
The softball team is back on the road next weekend, this time to New Mexico where it will participate in the Aggie Classic. First game is Friday at 8 a.m. against the University of Montana.
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