Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 COSTA MESA, Calif.— The No. 8 Cal State San Marcos softball team knocked four extra-base hits— including a grand slam by Brenna Parker— to defeat Vanguard 8-2 on the road Friday afternoon. The Cougars were backed by a complete game effort by Katie Wilkinson (5-0) and three hits from Mallory Campbell to improve its record to 8-0 to start the season.

The Cougars have yet to score a run in the first inning thus far in 2014, but jumped out to an early lead in the second inning when Melyssa Bellamy tripled to bring home Olivia Lucatuorto for the game's first run. Catcher Tani Leasau promptly singled to plate Bellamy and give the Cougars a 2-0 lead after two innings.

Bellamy brought home another run in the fifth inning with an RBI single to extend the lead, but the Lions got it right back in the bottom of the frame to make the score 3-1.

CSUSM broke the game open in the sixth inning after Patricia Banda drew a leadoff walk and Campbell doubled down the left field line. A Kaitlin McGinley infield single loaded the bases with two outs before Brenna Parker crushed a homerun for the team's first grand slam of the season to take a commanding 7-1 lead. The bomb was Parker's second of the season.

The Lions were able to muster a run back in the bottom of the sixth, but CSUSM got it right back in the top of the seventh with a sacrifice fly by McGinley that brought home Genna Main. Wilkinson went the distance in the pitcher's circle for the third time this season, allowing seven hits over seven innings.

Game 2 of Friday's doubleheader was tied 3-3 after five innings and postponed due to darkness. The game will be resumed when the teams meet next Thursday, March 27 before the 2:00pm scheduled start time.

CSUSM will have a quick turnaround as the Cougars host the University of La Verne Saturday for a doubleheader at the CSUSM Softball Field. The first game is scheduled to begin at 12:00 pm.