SAN DIEGO -- Whitney Mollica’s two-run triple in the top of the sixth inning proved to be the game-winning hit as Massachusetts defeated Sacramento State, 2-1, in the third round of the Campbell/Cartier Softball Tournament Friday afternoon at the SDSU Softball Field.With the loss, the Hornets dropped to 0-3 at the season-opening tournament as the team fell to UC Santa Barbara and second-ranked UCLA yesterday. The 0-3 record for Sacramento State is the team’s worst start to a season since the 2004 squad began 0-5. However, that team bounced back to post a 32-28 record. UMass, which opened the day with a loss to UC Santa Barbara, improved to 1-1 at the tournament.
The Hornets opened the game’s scoring with a run in the bottom of the first inning after Jamie Schloredt’s ground ball scored Hilary Johnson. The Minutewomen responded five innings later with Mollica’s triple. Sacramento State threatened in both the fifth and sixth innings, but UMass starter Brandice Balschmiter stranded runners at first and second base in both frames.
Balschmiter (1-0) picked up the win, allowing just one run and five hits in seven innings. She struck out six and walked three. Sacramento State’s Nikki Cinque (0-2) picked up the loss despite allowing just two runs and scattering eight hits over seven innings. Cinque, who is now 0-2 this season despite a 1.69 ERA, walked none and has now allowed the opposition just a .22 batting average this year.
Johnson, Cinque, Lindy Winkler, Amy Jo McKenzie and Gloria Toledo accounted for each of the Hornets’ five hits while Winkler stole her first base of the season. Lauren Proctor led UMass with three hits.
Sacramento State returns to action on Saturday, Feb. 11, to take on Oklahoma State at 9 a.m. The Hornets conclude the tournament on Sunday, Feb. 12, against Cal Poly at 10 a.m.
