Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 | Box Score 3  Brenna Sandberg's 16-strikeout, one-hit shutout in a 1-0 nail-biter over CSU Stanislaus got the day started, as Cougar softball proceeded to roll its next two opponents en route to a 3-0 start at the Best of the West Invitational.

Along with the 1-0 win over Stanislaus, CSUSM beat Chico State 9-0 and Dominican 15-1. The #8-ranked Cougars are now 4-0 on the season.

In what was by far the most competitive game of the day, the Cougars and host school Stanislaus battled in the morning's first game. Sandberg proved the difference, with her only hit allowed coming to the very first batter she faced. The All-American went on to record 16 of a possible 21 outs by strikeout. 

Meanwhile, the Cougar lineup scratched out one run, which proved enough for the victory. Jalisa McCarvel led off the second with a walk, and with two outs, Alex Miller and Derrisha Lacey knocked back-to-back base hits to plate the game's only run.

In the second game, the Cougars proved to be too much for Chico State, jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the second inning and never looking back. Miller proved once again to be a force, going 2-for-2 with a pair of doubles at 3 RBI. Kaitlin McGinley and Alyssa Dronenburg drove in a pair of runs each, while Shanti Poston and Lacey scored two themselves.

Sandberg was once again on her game, throwing five shutout innings and striking out eight before giving way to Kristin Jaeger, who worked a hitless sixth to close out the 9-0 win.

In the nightcap, CSUSM overpowered Dominican, scoring five in the first, two in the second, and eight in the fourth to win the game in five innings.

On the mound for the contest was Brittany Boone, who was impressive in her Cougar debut.  Boone went the full five innings, allowing just two hits and an unearned run. The freshman walked one and struck out one.

Meanwhile, the Cougar lineup did plenty of damage, with Dronenburg leading the way. The two-time All-Conference selection blasted a home run and two doubles, recording 6 RBI. Theresa Houle had a big game as well, going 3-for-4 with 2 RBI. Leadoff hitter Alicia Ingram was 2-for-2 with 2 runs scored, and Miller continued her big day by scoring a pair of runs.

CSUSM will finish up play at the Best of the West Invitational tomorrow with two games.