Seattle University softball (5-11) capped off the weekend on a high note with a 3-1 win at UC Riverside (5-8) to close out the Amy S. Harrison Classic.
"Alyssa showed a lot of poise today and we got timely hitting for the win," said head coach Dan Powers. "Each week we keep getting better, our young pitchers kept us in every game, and they are fighting every inning."
A purely defensive game through the first three innings, each team only left one runner on base in the first inning, with UC Riverside’s Dionne Anderson reaching the furthest base, stealing second.
In the top of the fourth, Paige Bouska (Keizer, Ore.) advanced to second on a Lisa Maulden (Maple Valley, Wash.) single, while two UC Riverside runners advanced to first and second in the bottom of the inning, but all four runners were left on base. In similar fashion in the next inning, Sarah Petosa (Federal Way, Wash. advanced as far as third in the top of the fifth, but two runners apiece were left on base for each team once again.
In the top of the sixth, the Redhawks were able to get on the board as Bubba Morrow (Auburn, Wash.) opened the inning with a single up the middle, scoring on the next play as Maulden tripled to center field. Jennifer Sweet (Bend, Ore.) would later come around to score, pinch running for Maulden, on a sacrifice fly by Jenny Hurst (Laguna Niguel, Calif.).
The Highlanders narrowed the deficit, 2-1, in the bottom of the frame, as Samantha Hernandez scored on a single to right field by Marissa Escalante with two outs. A final pop up by Natalie Sanchez ended their further scoring chances.
The Redhawks added one final run for insurance in the top of the seventh as Kayla Shuster-Gonzales (Escondido, Calif.) hit a solo home run to left field to open the inning. A quick three-and-out in the Highlanders’ final chance at bat gave SU the win.
The Redhawks and Highlanders recorded an equal number of hits, 7-7, in the contest, while Bouska, Morrow, and Maulden led SU with two apiece.
In the circle, Alyssa Reuble (Lynnwood, Wash.) earned the win, allowing one run on seven hits while walking two and striking out one in the complete game. Alyssa Razo was handed the loss for UC Riverside, allowing all three runs on seven hits while walking one and striking out five.
Seattle U returns to California next weekend, participating in the Santa Clara Marriott Invitational. They are set to face Boston University and Santa Clara on Friday, Feb. 28, Boston U on Saturday, Mar. 1, and UC Davis and Santa Clara on Sunday, Mar. 2.