Late-Inning Miscues Cost Hawks in 5-4 Extra-Inning Loss to Modesto

The Cosumnes River College softball team battled back from an early deficit but ultimately fell 5-4 in eight innings to Modesto in Big 8 Conference action on Tuesday afternoon.

After trailing 3-0 through the first three innings, the Hawks responded with a strong rally in the bottom of the third. Capitalizing on a Modesto error, Cosumnes River got on the board before RBI singles from Imani Black and Alexis Hoke tied the game at 3-3.

The Hawks continued to build momentum in the sixth inning when Faith Hahn delivered a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Charlize Fasula to give Cosumnes River its first lead of the game at 4-3.

However, Modesto answered in the seventh inning, taking advantage of a defensive miscue to even the score at 4-4. In the eighth, another Hawk error allowed the go-ahead run to score, proving to be the difference in the contest.

Cosumnes River outhit Modesto 9-10 in a tightly contested game. Nina Najafizadeh led the offensive effort, going 3-for-4 with a double and a run scored. Emma Misasi added two hits and a run, while Black and Hoke each recorded an RBI. Fasula also contributed with a double and scored a run.

In the circle, Xochitl Atayde started and allowed three runs over 2.2 innings. Kaylena Ogle provided a strong relief effort, tossing 5.1 innings while allowing just two runs, both unearned, and striking out one.

Despite the loss, the Hawks showed resilience in their comeback effort but were hindered by defensive miscues late in the game, committing two errors that led directly to Modesto runs.

Cosumnes River will look to bounce back as they continue Big 8 Conference play in their upcoming matchup against American River College on the road.