ROHNERT PARK, Calif. — An epic relief effort by senior Bianca Noriega (Ventura/Camarillo HS) helped the Cal State Monterey Bay softball team earn a big CCAA victory Wednesday as the Otters held off Sonoma State 6–5 in 14 innings at Seawolf Field. The Otters and Seawolves tried to finish the doubleheader after that marathon, but the nightcap was halted due to darkness with the teams tied 1–1 after five complete.

Wednesday belonged to Noriega, however, who gave the best pitching performance of her collegiate career. She came on to get the final two outs of the seventh inning after Sonoma had rallied for three runs to tie the game at 5–5. She proceeded to throw seven more goose eggs at Sonoma, fanning a career–high nine in the process. Her final line included 7 2/3 innings of 3–hit, shutout ball.

The Otters needed every ounce of her effort as Sonoma pitcher Amanda Llerena found a groove of her own after surrendering five runs in he first three innings. With the senior hurlers in a classic pitcher's duel, the teams played the equivalent of an entire second game before this one was decided.

Chase Robledo (Camarillo HS) came through with the clutch hit Noriega needed to earn her fourth win of 2016. The sophomore shortstop drove a 2–out single to right field to plate Anneliese Lopez (Ventura/Buena HS) with the game–winner in the top of the 14th.

Lopez finished the game 3-for-6 with two doubles and three RBIs to lead the 16–hit Otter attack. Courtney Varela (Torrance HS) added three hits and her 18th stolen base. Varela also had two of CSUMB's five hits through five innings of Game 2, although those stats will not become official until the game is completed.

The Otters and Seawolves will conclude Wednesday's nightcap at a date and time to be determined. Next up for CSUMB is a return to the Otter Sports Complex for a visit by No. 25 UC San Diego Monday and Tuesday, Mar. 21–22.