Cal State Fullerton seniors Jodie Cox and Amanda Hockett each hit game-winning
home runs on the day to power the Titans offense as Fullerton defeated
No. 24 Texas A&M, 4-3, and No. 25 Massachusetts, 3-1, in the first
day of play at the 2003 Fiesta Bowl Classic hosted by Arizona State in
Phoenix, Ariz.
Fullerton improved to 4-1 overall on the year while head coach Michelle
Gromacki earned her 150th career victory in the win over the Minutewomen.
Conincidentally, Gromacki earned her 100th career win over UMass at the
NFCA Leadoff Classic last season.
In game one, Cox
slugged a grand slam in the the top of the fifth inning and senior Gina
Oaks went the distance scattering five hits and striking out three as
No. 10 Cal State Fullerton posted a come-from behind 4-3 victory over
No. 24 Texas A&M.
Senior Jenny Topping was also 2-for-2 with two walks and Oaks improved
her record to 3-0 this season in the circle, winning eight of her last
nine decisions dating back to April 27 of last year.
In game two, senior shortstop Amanda Hockett had two run-scoring hits
on the day, including a game-winning home run in the third as the Titans
defeated Massachusetts. Hockett drove in Fullerton's first run with an
RBI single in the first to score pinch runner Julie Watson and clinched
the game with her homer in the third.
Senior Amy LaRocque scored Cox on an RBI double in the sixth inning to
complete the scoring. Cox (1-1) earned the victory, going the distance
and scattering three hits while striking out six batters – all in
the final three innings.
Cal State Fullerton returns to tournament action on Saturday morning (Feb.
8) as the Titans take on Mississippi State at 11 a.m. and No. 14 Stanford
at 1:30 p.m.
