May 1, 2009

Box Score

STOCKTON, Calif. – Junior #Shelair Rowell#'s grand slam led the Cal State Monterey Bay softball team to a 9-0 six-inning shutout over Sonoma State in the semifinals of the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Tournament. on Friday at Arnaiz Field. In only the program's fourth year of competition, the Otters have made the CCAA Tournament finals. 

Senior #Rachelle Morales# came up big in the third inning, making a diving catch on Courtney James's short pop up for the first out to keep a no-hitter going for Rowell, CSUMB's starting pitcher .

Senior #Jennifer Montez# and freshman #Jamie Moon# hit back-to-back singles to get things started for the Otters in the third inning. Junior #Niki Ames#' double drove Montez across the plate to take a 1-0 lead in the bottom. Sophomore #Shae Olds# drew an intentional walk, her third of the tournament. On a 1-1 count, Rowell hit a grand slam over the right field wall to give the Otters a 5-0 lead.

Sonoma State's first hit of the game came in the fourth inning when leadoff batter Kayla Ledford singled to right field.

In her six-inning outing, Rowell threw a two-hit shutout, striking out six batters. Rowell and her defense did not allow a Seawolf player to reach second base.

Trotter went 2-for-4 at the plate with two doubles, driving in three runs.  Montez and Moon both recorded two hits for the Otters.

“I am really excited to be in the final game in only the fourth year of our program,” said Otters head coach Andrea Kenney. “Rowell was outstanding for us, both on the mound and at the plate.

“Trotter came up with big hits for us as well.”

The Otters will play the winner of this afternoon's UC San Diego vs. Sonoma State game in the championship game tomorrow.  First pitch is scheduled for noon on Saturday at Arnaiz Field in Stockton.