SAN MARCOS, Calif. – The No. 15 Cal State San Marcos softball team (23-6, 9-5 CCAA) split its doubleheader against Cal State Monterey Bay (15-14, 7-11 CCAA) on Friday at CSUSM Softball Field. The Cougars took game one 5-3 before falling 7-1 in the nightcap to the Otters.
 
GAME 1: CSUSM 5 – CSUMB 3
 
TOP PERFORMERS
Paige Donnelly – 1-for-2 | 1 RBI
Brooklyn Ury – 1-for-2 | 1 R | 1 RBI
Jillian Albayati – 1-for-3 | 1 RBI
Makenzie Guiliano – 1-for-3 | 1 RBI

HOW IT HAPPENED

• CSUSM went up 4-0 in the second inning on RBI singles by Brooklyn Ury and Paige Donnelly as well as two CSUMB errors.
• The Cougars added another run in the fourth inning as Jillian Albayati recorded an RBI single to put CSUSM up 5-0.
• The Otters put up three runs in the fifth on two fielder's choices and an Ellie Escalente RBI single.
• In the top of the seventh, Cougar reliever Savannah Coyle gave up a single up the middle before striking out three consecutive Otters for the save.
   

QUICK HITS

• CSUSM starting pitcher Jayline Sloss (8-3) recorded the win after going 4.1 innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits and three walks while striking out six.
• Sloss and Coyle combined to strike out 10 Otters in seven innings.
• Otter pitcher Kadence Nulick (2-7) took the loss after going six innings, allowing five runs (one earned) on four hits and three walks.
• As CSUSM's career saves leader, Coyle's save was her fourth of the season and 18th of her career.

GAME 2: CSUSM 1 – CSUMB 7

TOP PERFORMERS
Delaney Prater – 1-for-3 | 1 RBI | 1 2B
Jillian Albayati – 1-for-3 | 1 2B

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Otters took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third on a Nevaeh Martinez RBI single through the right side.
• CSUSM evened the game at 1-1 in the fourth on Delaney Prater's RBI double down the left line.
• Anastacia Alba took a two-run homer over the left field to give CSUMB back the lead at 3-1.
• The Otters pushed four more runs across in the top of the seventh on a 2-RBI single by Martinez, an RBI double by Nani Areola and a sacrifice fly by Emma Mendoza.

QUICK HITS

• CSUMB pitcher Savannah Madrigal (8-4) tossed a complete game for the win, allowing one run on five hits and two walks.
• Cougar starting pitcher Dahlia Fink (7-2) picked up the loss after four innings in the circle, giving up two runs on four hits and four walks.
• Jillian Albayati extended her hit streak to nine games.
• CSUSM picked up its 16th double play of the season, ranking third in the CCAA.

UP NEXT
The Cougars will conclude their six-game homestand with a 12 p.m. Saturday doubleheader against Cal State Monterey Bay at CSUSM Softball Field.