Facing Point Loma Nazarene for the final time this season, #13-ranked Cal State San Marcos softball and the #5-ranked Sea Lions split a pair of 1-0 games at Point Loma on Saturday.

CSUSM is now 32-12 on the year.  Point Loma is 24-12.

As is often the case when top-15 teams play, pitching was the story.  NAIA wins leader Brenna Sandberg was on her game and on the mound for all 15 innings on Saturday.  She was particularly brilliant in game one, tossing a 2-hit, 11-strikeout, complete game 8-inning shutout to once again out-duel PLNU All-American Tyler Lent. 

Both pitchers allowed just one hit in the regulation seven innings, sending the contest to extras.  With Lauren Nelson placed on second in the top of the eighth, Shanti Poston delivered the hit of the ballgame, doubling to left-center to score the game's first run.  In the bottom of the inning, center fielder Elizabeth Bush caught a line drive and alertly doubled off the runner at second to effectively end Point Loma's chances.

The win makes Sandberg the first-ever 30-game winner for CSUSM softball, and the first NAIA pitcher this season to reach 30.

In game two, Point Loma scored in the first inning on a double-steal and was able to hold the lead for all seven innings.  Sandberg certainly kept her team in the game, locking down the Sea Lions' offense and allowing just 3 hits and 1 walk.  She struck out two batters.

CSUSM had its chances, recording 5 hits and drawing 3 walks, but Sea Lions starter Hannah Faria worked through it to complete the shutout.  Nelson had two hits in the losing effort.

While Point Loma is one of the best teams in the NAIA, the Cougars will get another shot against the absolute best in the NAIA on Tuesday at Cal Baptist.