ylSan Jose, Calif.—Spartan Kristen Heffley came off the bench in the seventh to drive in the only run for San José State as the team fell to Mountain West leader Colorado State, 2-1, Saturday afternoon at Spartan Softball Field.
The Spartans managed only three hits off of Rams pitching, two of those coming in the seventh inning. Rayohna Sagapolu started the inning with a single to right field, and Alyssa Graham followed with a double into the left field corner to give SJSU two runners on base and no outs. Pinch hitter Mackenzie Drake struck out looking before Heffley came to the plate for Makalya Englestad.
On a 1-0 pitch, Heffley flied out deep enough to center field to allow Sagapolu to score on the sacrifice fly and Graham to advance to third. Jacey Phipps flied out to center on an 0-1 count to end the game.
Spartan freshman Jenessa Ullegue made her first start in the circle in Mountain West play. She pitched a complete game, allowing the two earned runs on 10 hits, striking out six and walking three.
"I was a little nervous starting today's game since this was my first start in conference play," said Ullegue. "I calmed down though as the game went along."
The only other hit for the Spartans came in the fourth inning when Cassidy Clark led off with a single up the middle. The Spartans left seven runners on base as they were able to draw four walks in the game.
San José State is now 25-12 overall and 5-3 in the conference, and the two teams conclude the series on Sunday with a noon game.