Hawks Bounce Back in Game Two After Tight Contested Opener

MODESTO, Calif. — The Cosumnes River College softball team earned a split in a Big 8 Conference doubleheader at Modesto on April 18, bouncing back in game two after a tightly contested loss in the opener.

In game one, the Hawks fell just short in a 3-2 decision despite a strong all-around effort. Cosumnes River struck first in the opening inning when Imani Black delivered an RBI double to score Xochitl Atayde. However, Modesto responded in the third inning, capitalizing on a triple followed by a two-run home run to take a 3-1 lead.

The Hawks continued to apply pressure offensively, collecting seven hits in the game. Nina Najafizadeh led the way with a 2-for-3 performance, while Charlize Fasula drove in a run in the sixth inning to cut the deficit to one. Atayde was solid in the circle, allowing just two hits across six innings, but the Hawks were unable to push across the tying run late.

Cosumnes River responded in game two with a 4-2 victory, showcasing a balanced effort at the plate and in the circle. The Hawks once again got on the board early, as Ashley Garcia drove in a run in the first inning. Cosumnes River added two more runs in the fourth inning, highlighted by an RBI single from Emma Misasi and a sacrifice fly by Emily Azemar.

The Hawks finished with 11 hits in the game, with Najafizadeh leading the offense with a 3-for-4 performance. Garcia added two hits and an RBI, while Azemar contributed both at the plate and defensively.

In the circle, Kaylena Ogle delivered a complete-game performance, allowing two runs on eight hits while striking out four to earn the win.