CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. – UC San Diego opened play at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic Thursday, falling to Cal, 14-1 in 5 innings, and to California Baptist, 12-5. Playing away from San Diego for the first time this season, the Tritons' had their seven-game win streak snapped. UC San Diego now sits at 10-3 on the season following Thursday's action.
CAL 14, UC SAN DIEGO 1
California seized control in the third inning, extending its lead to 9-1 with a series of pivotal plays. A three-run homer by Anya German to left center put the game out of reach.
The Tritons managed to put pressure on California in the second inning, scoring their lone run.
Zara Wasserman singled up the middle, advanced on a walk by
Auddrey Lira, and scored on a fielding error. Despite placing runners in scoring position, UC San Diego was unable to capitalize further.
In the fifth inning, the Tritons attempted a late rally with
Tori Hinostro drawing a walk and
Tyla Arbuckle reaching on an error, loading the bases. However, the opportunity slipped away as California closed the inning without allowing a run.
Wasserman contributed with a run and a hit, highlighting the offensive efforts for the Tritons.
Jackie Tremper delivered an RBI.
CALIFORNIA BAPTIST 12, UC SAN DIEGO 5
California Baptist took early control in the bottom of the first inning, scoring five runs.
UC San Diego bounced back in the third inning when
Marley Espiau walked, preceding
Maalia Cherry's two-run homer to center field. Shortly after,
Zara Wasserman singled, setting the stage for
Samantha Womack to launch a two-run homer to right center, cutting the deficit to 11-5. However, the offensive burst was not enough to overcome CBU's lead.
Cherry recorded a home run and drove in two runs, adding significant offensive power. Womack also hit a home run and contributed two RBIs, scoring twice. Wasserman collected two hits and scored one run, maintaining consistent performance at the plate. Espiau added a double and scored a run, showcasing strong hitting capability.
TRITON TIDBITS
- UC San Diego was the designated visiting team against the Lancers in game two Thursday, the first time in 13 games this season the Tritons batted first.
- Home runs from Maalia Cherry and Samantha Womack against CBU give them a team-leading three apiece in 2026.
UP NEXT
The Tritons continue play in the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic on Friday when they take on No. 11 Texas A&M at 8:30 p.m. The game will stream live on FloSports ($) with live stats available on UCSDTritons.com.
About UC San Diego Athletics
After two decades as one of the most successful programs in NCAA Division II, the UC San Diego intercollegiate athletics program has begun a new era as a member of The Big West in NCAA Division I. The 24-sport Tritons earned 30 team and nearly 150 individual national championships during its time in Divisions II and III and helped guide 1,400 scholar-athletes to All-America honors. A total of 83 Tritons have earned Academic All-America honors, while 38 have garnered prestigious NCAA Post Graduate Scholarships. UC San Diego scholar-athletes exemplify the academic ideals of one of the world's preeminent institutions, graduating at an average rate of 90 percent, the highest rate among public institutions in NCAA Division I or II. For more information on the Tritons, visit UCSDtritons.com or follow UC San Diego Athletics on social media @UCSDtritons.
