RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Junior Kat Calderon's seventh-inning pinch-hitting RBI double lifted the Cal State San Marcos softball team to a 3-2 season-opening victory against host California Baptist on Saturday afternoon. The Cougars dropped an 8-0 run-rule decision in game two.

"Our team showed up ready to compete today," said head coach Laurie Nevarez. "We are happy to start the season off with a win against a strong opponent. In game one, Caitlin pitched with a lot of composure and held a strong offense to only a few runs. It was great to see Janaea step up in her collegiate debut to put us ahead two runs. The team played with a lot of confidence and we are looking forward to watching them compete this season."

Freshman Janaea Mason went 3-for-5 with a double and home run. Junior Caitlin Vinyard picked up the win in the doubleheader opener, scattering six hits and allowing just two runs.
 
CSUSM home and conference opener is next Friday when the Cougars host San Francisco State. First pitch is slated for noon. The first 100 fans in attendance will receive a free CSUSM water bottle.
 
GAME 1: CSUSM 3 – CBU 2
The Cougars jumped out first in game one when Mason crushed a two-run homer over the left field wall in the top of the fifth.
 
In the bottom of the frame, CBU's Tucker led off with a single and would later score on a two-out RBI single by Thieroff.
 
The Lancers would even the score in the sixth with Tucker recording the RBI this time around.
 
Freshman Aliya Machrone drew a leadoff walk to begin the top of the seventh and advanced 60 feet on a sacrifice bunt by Mason. With two outs, Calderon drilled the ball up the middle for a double to plate Machrone which put CSUSM back in the lead at 3-2.
 
In her CSUSM debut, Vinyard (1-0) earned the win after striking out one and walking only two batters.
 
GAME 2: CBU 8 – CSUSM 0 (6 inn.)
The Lancers scored all in six innings except the third en route to the 8-0 victory.
 
Cougars best scoring chance came in the second inning. Freshman Jaqlyn Newhouser led off with a walk, Machrone singled and Mason reached on a CBU throwing error to load the bases. CBU's starting pitcher Iveth Alvarado got out of the jam with a line out, fielder's choice and a ground out.
 
CSUSM's starting pitcher Skie Munoz (0-1) went three frames, giving up two runs on five hits. Alvarado tossed four three-hit innings to earn the win.
 
CBU's Caitlyn Lloyd and Anise Avalos each homered in the nightcap.