BOX SCORE 1 | BOX SCORE 2
SEASIDE, Calif. — The Cal State Monterey Bay softball team began its run of eight consecutive games against top 15 opponents Friday afternoon by splitting with No. 1 ranked Humboldt State at the Otter Sports Complex. CSUMB (8–3, 4–2 CCAA) rode the 3–hit pitching of junior Cori Reinhardt (Riverside Poly) to a 3–2 win in the opener before Hannah Williams' 3–run blast in the first inning of game two propelled Humboldt (13–2, 4–2) to a 6–1 win.

Reinhardt gave up one run and two hits in the first inning of game one but was masterful from that point. She threw no–hit ball for the next 5 1/3 innings, allowing the Otter offense time to touch Humboldt starter Katie Obbema for three runs.

Reinhardt opened the Otter scoring in the fourth inning when she singled and came around two batters later on an error. Anneliesse Lopez (Ventura/Buena HS) put the Otters on top later in the inning with a 2–out RBI single.

A bases loaded walk by Bianca Noriega (Ventura/Camarillo HS) closed the Otter scoring in the fifth.

After Williams gave Humboldt the early lead in the second game, CSUMB responded with a Madison Casto (Sunnyvale/Homestead HS) RBI single in its half of the first. But the Otter offense stagnated from that point, stranding nine runners.

Sophomore pitcher Lindsey Clarkson (Fresno/Central HS) settled down after the first inning, limiting the Lumberjacks to two hits over the next five innings before they added three runs on four hits in the seventh to put the game out of reach.

Freshman Courtney Varela (Harbor City/Torrance HS) led the Otter offense with two hits in each game Friday. Reinhardt (3–for–7) and Lopez (3–for–6) also hit safely in both games for CSUMB.

The Otters will close their 4–game set with Humboldt State in a Saturday doubleheader at the Otter Sports Complex. First pitch is scheduled for 11 a.m.