SAN MARCOS, Calif. – For the fourth consecutive year, the top-seeded Cal State San Marcos softball team (51-8) opened NCAA Division II postseason play with a victory, defeating Hawaii Hilo (26-18), 9-1, in six innings in Thursday afternoon's NCAA Division II West Regional opener at CSUSM Softball Field.
TOP PERFORMERS
Rae D'Amato – 2-for-4 | 1 R | 3 RBI
Zoe Karam – 2-for-2 | 2 R | 2 RBI | 1 HR | 2 BB
Jillian Albayati – 1-for-2 | 3 R | 1 2B | 2 BB
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Cal State San Marcos came out aggressive from the opening pitch against Hawaii Hilo, putting together a four-run rally in the bottom of the first inning. Marissa Morales worked a leadoff walk before Jillian Albayati drove a double to center field, advancing Morales to third and putting immediate pressure on the Vulcans' defense. Zoe Karam followed with a walk to load the bases, and Rae D'Amato delivered a clutch single up the middle that scored both Morales and Albayati. After a pitching change, a wild pitch allowed both runners to advance into scoring position, and Czar Fleischman capitalized by ripping a two-RBI double down the left-field line to extend the Cougars' lead to 4-0.
- The Cougars added to their lead in the second inning with another multi-run frame. Jordan Elias started the rally with a single and used her speed to steal third after advancing on a sacrifice bunt by Morales. With runners at the corners, Albayati drew a walk to reload the bases. Karam then laced an RBI single to right field to plate Elias, and D'Amato followed once again with an RBI single up the middle to bring in Albayati and make the score 6-0.
- After two scoreless innings, CSUSM extended its advantage in the fourth. Albayati reached base with a walk for the third time, and Karam made it count by launching a two-run home run to center field, pushing the Cougar lead to 8-0.
- Hawaii Hilo broke through in the fifth inning. Mariah Antoque singled up the middle to lead off the inning and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Kanoe Piltz. A single from Ava Monturio moved Antoque to third, and she came around to score on a fielder's choice RBI off the bat of Chenoa Cainglit, cutting the deficit to 8-1.
- The Cougars answered right back in the bottom of the sixth. After Karam drew a walk, Hannah Tandy entered as a pinch runner and later scored when D'Amato reached on a fielding error by the second baseman, giving CSUSM a 9-1 mercy-rule victory.
- In the circle, Daleah Cardenas controlled the game from start to finish, limiting Hawaii Hilo to just one run on four hits while consistently generating weak contact, including 16 groundouts, to secure the complete-game victory.
QUICK HITS
- Jillian Albayati broke the CSUSM single-season doubles record and tied the CCAA single-season doubles record with her 24th of the season.
- Daleah Cardenas (19-2) earned the win after throwing 6.0 innings, allowing one run on four hits with no walks and two strikeouts while inducing 16 groundouts.
- Madi Lee (5-4) took the loss after allowing four earned runs on two hits and two walks without recording an out in the first inning.
- Mia Castillo tossed 3.0 innings in relief, surrendering four runs on six hits with two walks and one strikeout.
- Tehani Seto pitched 2.1 innings, allowing one unearned run on one hit with one walk.
- Rae D'Amato led all hitters with three RBIs, finishing 2-for-4 at the plate.
- Zoe Karam reached base in all four plate appearances, going 2-for-2 with a home run, two RBIs, two walks and four runs scored.
UP NEXT
Cal State San Marcos will continue play in the NCAA Division II West Regional on Friday at CSUSM Softball Field.
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