Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 | Box Score 3
The Cal State San Marcos Softball team kicked off the 2012 season in grand fashion, taking down 3 NCAA Division II opponents up north in Turlock, CA. The new look pitching staff of 3 true freshman and transfer Courtney Allen impressed in their debut, each pitching at least 4 innings on the day, and compiling a staff ERA of just 1.29

Theresa Houle  went 4-for-9  on the day with a homerun and a double, and Alicia Ingram and Kaitlin McGinley each contributed 5 hits on the day.

Game 1 (CSUSM 3 - Cal State Dominguez Hills 2)

Box Score

Kimberly Smith got the start for the Cougars, going 4 innings and allowing just two unearned runs. Jordan Lamoureux and Courtney Allen finished the last three innings without giving up a hit.

The bulk of the Cougar's offense came on a blast from some of last season's usual suspects, Alyssa Dronenberg. She wasted no time in launching her first homerun of the season, and 40th of her career, in just her second at bat of the year. That proved to be all that CSUSM needed, as the Cougars held on for the tight victory.

Game 2 (CSUSM 5 - Cal State Stanislaus 3)

Box Score

Katie Wilkinson made her Cougar debut in starting for the Cougars, and allowed just 1 earned run over 4 innings. Just like the last game, Jordan Lamoureux came in for the 5th and 6th innings, and Courtney Allen shut the door against the host Warriors, as neither reliever gave up a hit once again.

The Cougars jumped out to an early 5-0 lead by the 3rd inning on a healthy number of hits from all over the lineup. 5 different Cougars had at least 2 hits, and Theresa Houle hit her 1st homerun of the season.
 
Game 3 (CSUSM 7 – San Francisco State 3)

Box Score

After two spotless performances as a reliever earlier in the day, Jordan Lamoureux received her first start of the year to cap off the day's last game. She struck out 3 batters in 3 2/3 innings before giving way to Courtney Allen, who also struck out 3 in relief over 2 1/3. Katie Wilkinson sealed the victory with a scoreless final inning that sent the Cougars back their hotel very happy.

Down 3-1 after 2 innings, CSUSM was forced to rally back for the first time all day. The Cougars got one run back in the third without getting a hit, as leadoff hitter Alicia Ingram walked, stole second, advanced to third on a passed ball, and scored on a balk.

The Cougars would still trail 3-2 until a 5 run explosion in the 5th inning, highlighted by RBI doubles from Theresa Houle and Olivia Lucatuorto. The Cougars were also very patient at the plate, earning 10 walks offensively while the pitching staff did not issue a single base on balls.

The Cougars will play 2 more games tomorrow before coming back to San Marcos. In the morning, they will face Chico State, and in the afternoon CSUSM will battle Cal State Monterrey Bay.