LA JOLLA, Calif. - After dropping the series opener against California Collegiate Athletics Association (CCAA) foe Sonoma State, the UC San Diego softball team lost the lead in game two as the Seawolves swept Friday's doubleheader at Triton Softball Field. SSU's pitching proved to be too much for UCSD as the Tritons fell 3-0 in game one, and the Seawolves came from behind to win 6-3 in game two.
Game One
The Tritons struggled to get things going on offense in the series opener against the Seawolves. After Taylor Abeyta reached on a bunt to third base in the first inning, Amanda Llerena retired 16 straight batters.
The Seawolves scored all three runs in the fourth inning. After right-handed pitcher Hannah Duarte held off SSU in the first three frames, Olivia Lucchese hit a two-out double to left field and later scored when Leanna Georges singled through the right side.
Ancia Purdy drove in the second run of the inning on a single up the middle and later stole home to record the final run of the game
Llerena, who pitched a complete-game no-hitter in a 4-0 shutout of Cal State San Bernardino last week, gave up just her second hit of the game in the seventh. Kendall Baker, who was pinch hitting for Kristin George, looked to start a seventh inning rally as she singled to shortstop. Unfortunately, Abeyta hit into a fielders choice and the Llerena struck out the next two batters to complete the 3-0 shutout.
Duarte (7-4) finished the day giving up three earned runs on eight hits while striking out two batters.
Game Two
Sonoma State once again took the lead first in game two. Purdy led off the game with a double and put the Seawolves up 1-0 when Holli Brown grounded out to Rachel Phillips at third.
The Tritons took their first lead of the game in the bottom of the second. With one out and bases loaded, Kendall Woken drove in Kelsi Maday. Emma Schneider then gave UCSD a 2-0 lead, scoring on an error by SSU's shortstop.
With UCSD just four outs away from getting the win, SSU used a two-out rally to score five runs in the sixth inning. The Tritons attempted a come back when Emily Sklencar hit a double to left center to bring in Schneider, but fell short, 6-3.
The Tritons will conclude their four-game series on Sautrday with a doubleheader against the Seawolves at 11 a.m.
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