By Sara Biela — Executive Editor
Despite a late rally from Boise State (23-6, 3-4 MW) in the ninth inning, San Jose State softball (23-10, 3-1 MW) held on to win 5-4 and took Game 1 of the crucial three-game series.
The Spartans had a three-run lead heading into the top of the seventh, and surrendered two runs to the Broncos to make it a one-run ballgame.
“This was probably one of the sloppiest games we’ve played all year,” said head coach Peter Turner. “A poorly-played defensive game and just horrible decision making. We’re darn lucky to come out with a win because you will not win too many games playing like we played today.”
SJSU tacked on first in a big way in the second inning. Freshman infielder Alyssa Graham cleared the bases on a double down the left field line and gave the team an early 3-0 lead.
“I was just focusing on hitting the ball where they weren’t so we could score at least one run,” she said. “I really wanted to pull through for my team, especially since we were focusing on scoring runners in scoring position.”
BSU didn’t leave a mark on the scoreboard until the fifth inning. Sophomore outfielder Ashlyn Adams hit a sacrifice fly that allowed sophomore pinch-runner Justene Molina to make it 3-1.
The scoring wasn’t over as senior infielder Rebekah Cervantes made it a one-run game with an RBI triple.
Outfielder/pitcher Jenessa Ullegue responded in the sixth by hitting her third home run of the season to make it 4-2. The freshman, Arianna Miranda and senior Madison Aurin lead the team with three homers apiece.
Senior catcher Alyssa Avila gave the Spartans another much-needed insurance run with an RBI single that scored sophomore infielder Rayohna Sagapolu.
“I think it took stress off of a lot of us, and let us play the way we know how to,” Graham said. “We really needed it.”
SJSU had the 5-2 lead entering the top of the seventh, but it quickly reduced to only a one-run advantage.
Cervantes caused damage once again with a sacrifice fly to cut the deficit to two runs. The rally continued as junior outfielder Jessica McKay made it 5-4 with an RBI single.
McKay stood at second as the tying run, but SJSU was able to get the final two outs and take Game 1 of the series.
Sophomore Caroline Bowman pitched 4.1 innings and gave up two runs on six hits. Ullegue (11-2) was credited with the win as she pitched 2.2 innings and allowed two runs on four hits.
“I was just trying to get ahead of the hitters,” Bowman said. “Boise State has a pretty tough lineup, so I was just trying to get ahead, put the ball in play and get some ground ball outs.”
The Spartans will look to take the series against the defending Mountain West champions Saturday at 12 p.m. at Spartan Stadium.
Follow Sara on Twitter @sarabielaa
