Late-Inning Heartbreaker Can’t Overshadow Hawks' Grit in 7–6 Thriller at #1 College of San Mateo
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 7 | 2 |
|
|
0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 7 | 11 | 6 |
In a showdown with top-ranked College of San Mateo, Cosumnes River College went toe-to-toe with the state's No. 1 team before falling 7–6 in a dramatic walk-off finish.
The Hawks controlled much of the afternoon, capitalizing on defensive miscues and timely execution to build a 4–1 lead in the fifth. Charlize Fasula's RBI single opened the scoring, and Cosumnes River erupted for three runs in the fifth, highlighted by heads-up baserunning and pressure that forced key errors.
In the seventh, Imani Black delivered the biggest swing of the day for CRC, blasting a two-run homer to extend the lead to 6–1 and silence the home crowd. Black finished with three RBIs, while Emma Misasi scored twice as the Hawks consistently challenged the Bulldogs' defense.
Xochitl Atayde was dominant through six innings, striking out eight and keeping the Bulldogs largely in check. But College of San Mateo mounted a furious rally in the bottom of the seventh, using three home runs to tie the game before a walk-off double ended the contest.
Despite the tough ending, Cosumnes River proved it can compete — and arguably outplay — the No. 1 team in the state for most of the game. The Hawks' resilience, power at the plate, and steady presence in the circle sent a clear message: they belong among the elite.