CARSON - Cal State Dominguez Hills split a California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) softball doubleheader against No. 5 Chico State, Friday at Toro Diamond. The Toros almost rallied back in game one, but ultimately fell 5-4. CSUDH took down the Wildcats in game two by a final score of 3-1. The Toros are now 15-8 overall and 13-7 in conference play. Chico State is 16-5 overall and 14-4 in the CCAA.
 
GAME ONE - Chico State 5, Cal State Dominguez Hills 4
TOP STATISTICAL PERFORMERS
Damari Simon 1-for-3, RBI, 2R
Amanda Canizales 1-for-4, RBI
Rachael Sandoval 1-for-3, RBI
Jessica Lane 3BB, 2R
 
WHAT HAPPENED?
- CSUDH was limited to just two hits in the first five innings, while the Wildcats scored five runs in that span with one in the third, one in the fourth and three in the fifth.
- The Toros started to rally in the bottom of the sixth inning. Junior Jessica Lane drew a walk and scored on senior Damari Simon's RBI triple. Senior Rachael Sandoval laced a hit to right field to plate Simon as CSUDH cut the deficit to 5-2.
- In the bottom of the seventh inning with two outs, Lane and Simon drew consecutive walks to put two runners on. A single from freshman Amanda Canizales brought in Lane and Simon as the Toros cut it to one run, 5-4. It would be the closest CSUDH would get as Chico State got the final out necessary to end the game.
 
GAME TWO - Cal State Dominguez Hills 3, Chico State 1
TOP STATISTICAL PERFORMERS
Amanda Canizales 2-for-3,
Chloe Wenger 2-for-2, 2RBI, 2R
Jade Loe 1-for-2, R
Jessica Lane 1-for-2, RBI
Ashley Wies W (7-4), 7IP, 3K
 
WHAT HAPPENED?
- The Toros started the scoring in the bottom of the second. Junior Jade Loe was hit by a pitch and took first. In the next at bat, sophomore Chloe Wenger hit one over the left field fence as CSUDH took a 2-0 lead.
- The Wildcats cut the advantage in half with one run of their own in the top of the fourth. The Toros responded and got back the run in the bottom of the frame. Loe singled and took second as Wenger drew a walk. Both runners stole third and second, but Loe was tagged out at home in junior Kendelle Messersmith's at bat. Lane dropped a but down the third base line to bring home Wenger as CSUDH got back up by two runs.
- Chico State had opportunities to score in the final three innings, but the Toro defense came through and were able to shut the Wildcats out. Chico State left two runners on in the fifth and one runner each in the sixth and the seventh.
 
UPCOMING
The Toros will host No. 5 Chico State for another doubleheader, Saturday, March 16 starting at 11 a.m.