March 28, 2014
San Jose, Calif. - The San José State University softball team opened Mountain West play with a 12-inning, 6-4 loss to the UNLV Rebels at SJSU Field on Friday.
The Spartans (17-13, 0-1 MW) held a 4-2 advantage going into the seventh inning. But UNLV's most powerful hitter, Pauline Monreal blasted a two-out double that hit the center field fence, scoring two and tying the game, 4-4.
After four scoreless innings for both teams, UNLV (14-18, 4-0 MW) made the most of four hits in the 12th inning. With the bases loaded, Francesca Foti grounded out to second base, allowing Stefany Valentino to score. The following batter, Jaexie Balilea, struck out swinging but Monreal sprinted from third for the 6-4 score.
Amanda Oliveto (7-10) retired her final three batters to earn her seventh win of the season, a complete-game victory.
Katelyn Linford's record fell to 6-8, as she scattered seven hits and allowed two runs in three innings. Starter Allison Lang one-hit two innings while walking three batters. Playing the middle seven innings was Madison Fish, who gave up two runs on seven hits and walked one.
After relinquishing its lead in the seventh, San José State surrendered two quality chances to win its first conference game. In the ninth inning, a single, UNLV error and walk loaded the bases. But Jessica Garcia hit into a double play, and Jessie Hufstetler grounded out in the next at bat to end the threat. In the following inning, the Spartans put runners on second and third, but a strikeout ended the frame.
On the day, Kryn Masutani and Jessica Garcia each had two hits, while Sharon-Renae Estrada drove in a team-best two runners in the opening frame.
San José State and UNLV play the second game of their Mountain West series tomorrow at 1:00 p.m.