Box Score 1 | Box Score 2
The #2 ranked Cal State San Marcos Softball team nearly pulled off a perfect 5-0 weekend in the Best of the West Invitational in Turlock, CA, with just one costly inning against Cal State Monterey Bay being the difference maker. Nonetheless, it was a very impressive showing for the Cougars, who showed that they can win at any level, as all 5 opponents CSUSM played are members of NCAA Division II.  

Game 1 (CSUSM 2 - Chico State 0)

Box Score

Cal State San Marcos kept their string of excellent pitching going Sunday morning, using 3 different pitchers to record their first of likely many shutouts this season. Katie Wilkinson got the start and pitched 2 scoreless innings, while Jordan Lamoureux kept the Wildcat hitters at bay for innings 3 through 6. Cortney Allen came in to close out the victory in the 7th, striking out two batters.

Kaitlin McGinley's RBI double in the 3rd inning put the Cougars on the scoreboard, and Theresa Houle launched her 2nd homerun of the year to deep center, giving CSUSM an insurance run in the 6th inning. Houle also had two walks in the game, reaching base in 3 of her 4 appearances. Alicia Ingram hit a double for the second straight day, as she looks to be one of the top leadoff hitters in the NAIA this season.
 
Game 2 (CSUSM 1 – CSU Monterey Bay 4)

Box Score

Cougar starter Kimberle Smith (4 IP, 0 ER) and Otter ace Cori Reinhardt exchanged scoreless innings until CSUSM broke through in the 4th inning, as Alex Miller scored on a defensive error to give the Cougars a 1-0 lead. It appeared that San Marcos might pull of the perfect weekend, but a troublesome 5th inning gave the Otters a 3-run lead that they would never relinquish.

The Cougars will get a well deserved rest after playing 5 games in two days, and will play again Friday against Vanguard in the Las Vegas Tournament.