Hawks Go Toe-To-Toe With Top Team in State in Double-Header Opener

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Cosumnes River College softball team battled throughout the day but came up short in both games of a Big 8 Conference doubleheader against No. 6 San Joaquin Delta on Saturday, falling 2-1 in the opener before dropping a 6-0 decision in game two.

Game 1: Hawks Edge Closer in Pitchers' Duel

In a tightly contested opener, the Hawks went toe-to-toe with one of the top teams in the state, ultimately falling 2-1 despite a strong performance in the circle from Xochitl Atayde.

Atayde was impressive, allowing just two hits and two runs across seven innings while keeping the Delta offense off balance all afternoon.

San Joaquin Delta struck first in the second inning on a sacrifice play to take a 1-0 lead. The Hawks responded in the fifth, capitalizing on a scoring opportunity when Emily Azemar came around to score on a sacrifice fly by Faith Hahn, tying the game at 1-1.

The game remained deadlocked until the sixth inning, when Delta regained the lead on another sacrifice fly, which proved to be the difference.

Offensively, Cosumnes River collected four hits, including a double from Azemar, while Ashley Garcia, Alexis Hoke, and Atayde each added a hit.

Game 2: Delta Pulls Away Early

In game two, San Joaquin Delta used an early offensive surge to secure a 6-0 win and complete the sweep.

Delta broke things open in the second inning with three runs and added to its lead with runs in the third and fourth innings, building a 6-0 advantage.

The Hawks scattered six hits in the contest but were unable to push a run across. Garcia led the way offensively with a perfect 3-for-3 performance at the plate, while Emma Misasi added two hits, including a double.

Kaylena Ogle got the start in the circle, tossing 4.2 innings, while Atayde returned in relief to close out the game with 2.1 scoreless innings and a strikeout.