The Cal State Fullerton softball team struggled in day two action at the
2002 Fiesta Bowl Classic hosted by Arizona State as the Titans fell to
No. 1 Arizona, 9-1, and to Texas A&M, 3-2, in the night cap.
Cal State Fullerton is now 2-4 on the season and has lost its last three
straight games – the longest losing streak since dropping four consecutive
contests in 2000. The Titans will face Texas in their tournament finale
on Sunday at noon.
In game one, Arizona senior hurler Jennie Finch pitched a complete game
and allowed only one run on three hits while striking out 14 batters in
the 9-1 Wildcat victory. First baseman Leneah Manuma hit a pair of home
runs, including a first-inning grand slam, and drove in seven of Arizona's
nine runs to provide all the offense the Wildcats would need.
Jodie Cox, Gina Oaks and Shawna Robinson each had one hit on the day for
the Titans while Oaks drove in Fullerton's lone run with a squeeze bunt
in the sixth to score pinch runner Heather Saltarelli.
The Titans struggled on defense, walking 11 batters and committing two
errors on the afternoon.
In game two, Cal State Fullerton battled back from an early 3-0 deficit,
but could not come up with the tying run late as Texas A&M defeated
the Titans, 3-2.
All three runs for the Aggies were unearned as the Titans committed four
errors in the first three innings. However, Fullerton pitchers Gina Oaks
and Christy Robitaille shut the door from there on out, working out of
numerous jams and not allowing any more Aggies to cross the plate.
The Titans began the come back in the fifth as they led of with a single
to left field by Julie Watson and followed that with a double to left
centerfield by Jodie Cox. Senior Monica Lucatero then worked the count
into her favor and slammed a single down the left field line to score
both runners and cut the lead to 3-2.
However, the Texas A&M defense turned things up a notch, allowing
just two more baserunners in the final three innings on a pair of walks.
The top six Titans in the batting order each notched a hit while Lucatero
also walked twice.
