MORAGA, Calif. – San Jose State softball freshman Ashley Rico's first career home run will be one to remember as the 3-run shot gave the Spartans the lead necessary to hold on for the first win of the Tammy Lohmann era. SJSU won by a final of 7-4 on Friday afternoon in the series opener against Saint Mary's at Cottrell Field.
"It was a great team victory," Lohmann said. "I am happy for our players and coaches. We will enjoy the first victory of the season and then refocus and get ready to compete again on Sunday."
Trailing 4-3 with one out in the sixth inning, Rico, a freshman infielder from Wilmington, Calif., dug in and drilled a shot over the field in left for not only her first homerun, but her first hit of her collegiate career. Three batters later, Arianna Miranda sent a double to the gap in right-center to tack on another run for the decisive 7-4 advantage.
The Spartans improved to 1-3 on the young season while Saint Mary's dropped to .500 at 5-5.
SJSU drew first blood in the opening frame on a RBI single by Malia Luna to plate Alyssa Graham. A throwing error allowed Miranda, celebrating her 21st birthday, to score on the play as well to take a 2-0 lead.
Saint Mary's answered and tied the game in the second on a passed ball, but the Spartans answered right back with a RBI sacrifice fly from senior Grace Garvey.
The Gaels responded in the home half of the fifth as they took a 4-3 lead on a double steal attempt, but it was the Spartans that came away with the final scoring spree in the sixth to walk away with the victory.
The first of many to come for Coach Lohmann and staff!#SpartanUp pic.twitter.com/Pq2LvLjs50
— San José State Softball (@SanJoseStateSB) February 27, 2021
Jenessa Ullegue (1-1) picked up the win after relieving starter Caroline Bowman (4.1 IP, seven hits, two strikeouts, four runs (three earned), 68 pitches) in the fifth. She struck-out four and allowed just two hits in the final 2.2 innings of work.
Graham had another big day at the plate with three hits in four appearances and scored three runs. Miranda finished with a pair of hits, including the RBI double.
The Spartans tallied nine hits as a team and was perfect in the field with zero errors committed.
Saint Mary's also had nine knocks led by Marissa Montelongo (2-for-4) and Sasa Koria (2-for-3). Reliever Sofia Earle was charged with the loss after giving up three runs, two earned, in 4.1 innings.
The Spartans and Gaels will meet again on Sunday in Moraga for a doubleheader beginning at noon.