Feb. 7, 2009
Box Score
Los Angeles, Calif. - Staked to a 3-0 lead courtesy of sophomore Nicole Matson (Castaic, Calif.) the Pacific softball just missed a upset victory over No. 25 San Diego State in the opening game of the 2009 season on Saturday, Feb. 7.
Saturday's contest was also the first game for both Pacific and San Diego State in Stacy Winsberg Memorial Tournament, hosted by UCLA.
The loss dropped Pacific to 0-1 on the season, while the Aztecs moved to 1-0.
The Tigers got off to a fast start in bottom of the first inning as freshman Paige Emerson (Rocklin, Calif.) laced a single into left field, then senior Casey Goldsand (Scottsdale, Ariz.) blooped a single through the left side to put runners at first and second. Matson strode to the plate and shredded any thoughts of a sophomore slump by blasting an 0-1 pitch over the right-center field wall to give the Tigers a 3-0 lead.
San Diego State got on the board in the top of the third via a one out walk, a single to center and a two-run double to left-center field from Dani Sidoti.
Pacific answered in the bottom of the fifth as Matson ripped a RBI double down the left-field line to drive home pinch runner, freshman Erin Stephens (Davis, Calif.). Stephens came on with one out in the inning after junior Karie Wilson (Glendale, Ariz.) reached on an error.
Out in front 4-2, the Tigers carried that edge into the top of the sixth. Unfortunately, San Diego State strung four hits together in the inning, plating three runs to take a 5-4 lead. The big blow came from Aztec catcher Erin Floros, who laced what proved to be the game-winning two-run single into left field.
Senior Chelsea Engle (Folsom, Calif.) suffered the loss (0-1) for Pacific, allowing five runs on 10 hits and three walks in seven innings.
San Diego State's Bailey Micetich nabbed the win (1-0) allowing four runs (three earned) on four hits and one walk in five innings. Samantha Beasley notched her first save of the season, working through three hits in two innings of scoreless relief.
Matson led the Tigers with a 3-for-4 day and four RBI.
Floros, meanwhile, paced San Diego State with a 2-for-3 day and two RBI.
Pacific returns to action later this afternoon as the Tigers face Indiana at 2 p.m. as both teams continue play in the Stacy Winsberg Memorial Tournament.
