TURLOCK, Calif. – The Cal State Dominguez Hills Toros won both games in the first day of the Tournament of Champions as they defeated the Central Washington Wildcats (5-1) before downing the Saint Martin's Saints (3-2).
 
GAME ONE
 
The Cal State Dominguez Hills Toros secured a convincing victory over the Central Washington Wildcats in a thrilling softball matchup. Led by standout performances at the plate, the Toros showcased their dominance from the opening inning to secure the win.
 
The Toros wasted no time asserting their authority as Mariah Ramirez delivered a powerful homer to right-center field in the first inning, setting the tone with an early 1-0 lead. In the third inning, Alexis Aguado added to the Toros' lead with a well-executed bunt single to the pitcher, bringing in Julissa Gomez and extending the lead to 2-0.
 
Central Washington responded in the fourth inning as they narrowed the Toros' lead to 2-1. However, the Toros quickly regained control in the fifth inning, with Ramirez contributing once again, this time with a sacrifice fly to left field, bringing in Gaby Gandara and furthering the Toros' lead to 3-1.
 
The Toros continued to pile on the runs in the fifth inning, with Kianna Abellera's single up the middle driving in Aguado and Faith Hernandez, extending the lead to 5-1 and solidifying the Toros' dominance.
 
On the mound, Mariah Ramirez delivered a standout performance, pitching five innings while allowing only one earned run on three hits. With five strikeouts and just two walks, Ramirez effectively controlled the game and earned the win. Sara Bhatt also contributed with two solid innings of relief, not allowing a hit and striking out one batter. Together, Ramirez and Bhatt demonstrated the Toros' pitching depth and their ability to shut down opposing offenses, further solidifying their dominance in the matchup.
 
GAME TWO
 
In a closely contested softball matchup, the Cal State Dominguez Hills Toros emerged victorious over Saint Martin's Saints in a thrilling game characterized by intense competition and clutch plays. The Toros displayed their resilience and determination, rallying at crucial moments to secure a hard-fought win.
 
The Toros got on the scoreboard first in the second inning when Julissa Gomez reached on a fielder's choice, allowing Kaylee Hull to score and giving the Toros an early 1-0 lead. However, Saint Martin's responded in the third inning with two runs to give the Saints a 2-1 lead.

In the sixth inning, Hull delivered a clutch single to left field, bringing in Alexis Aguado and tying the game at 2-2. The Toros continued their offensive surge in the seventh inning, as Jay Ross singled to center field, driving in Julissa Gomez and propelling the Toros to a 3-2 lead.
 
Across seven innings of work, Ramirez demonstrated precision and composure on the mound, limiting Saint Martin's to just four hits and two earned runs while striking out seven batters.
 
The Toros continue their competition at the Tournament of Champions tomorrow, Saturday, March 23^rd as they take on Dominican University at 4:30pm and Academy of Art at 7pm.