HSU Softball Edges Sonoma State in NCAA West Regional

May 5, 2016

ARCATA, Calif. – Humboldt State softball jumped out to an early lead and never looked back as it defeated Sonoma State, 5-1, in the first round of NCAA West Regional play Thursday at HSU Softball Field.

The Lumberjacks will face the Lancers of Cal Baptist Friday morning at 10 a.m. Cal Baptist defeated Chico State, 4-1, in Thursday’s opening game.

With the win over Sonoma State, HSU improved its overall record to 46-5-1.

“It was really important for us to come out strong today,” said Head Coach Shelli Sarchett. “Momentum is a big thing and is even more important in postseason play. I am really proud of how the team responded today both offensively and defensively.”

Following an outstanding performance against the Jacks less than a week ago, Sonoma State starting pitcher Amanda Llerena struggled in Thursday’s meeting. She allowed three runs in the first inning. Darian Harris hit a two-run homer and Julie Pena added another run on a squeeze bunt to give HSU a three-run lead after one.

Illa Haley opened the fourth frame with a solo home run to left field to give HSU a 4-0 advantage. Brielle Vidmar replaced Llerena after the next batter, Sydney Roberts, crushed a double off the centerfield wall. Two batters later, Hanna Holland increased the Green and Gold lead to five with an RBI single to the pitcher.

Llerena lasted just 3.0 innings, walked three and gave up five runs as the Sonoma senior picked up her 11th loss of the season.

Unlike Llerena, Madison Williams was dominant in her performance for the Jacks. Williams tossed a complete game and allowed just one run off a Kristina Ricossa double in the fifth. The junior fanned eight, allowed three hits and walked four. She picked up her team-leading 22nd victory of 2016.

“Maddie came out and threw a very strong game and our offense really took pressure off from the start,” said Sarchett.

HSU finished the game with just five hits, but the team nearly matched the total with four walks.

Despite the impressive win over the Seawolves, Sarchett doesn’t expect her squad to look past the talented Lancers.

“Cal Baptist is a strong team and I look forward to a good game with them,” said Sarchett. “We can't underestimate anybody during post season. We just have to go out there and play Humboldt softball.”

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