LAS VEGAS, Nev. — The Southern Nevada desert proved to be a fitting place for Cal State Monterey Bay to open its 2017 softball season. The Otters sizzled in Sin City with a pair of 11–1 victories to start play at the Desert Stinger Classic at Majestic Park.

CSUMB defeated New Mexico Highlands in its opener before closing the night by taking down the University of Mary. Both games lasted just five innings due to the 8–run rule.

The new–look Otter pitching staff acquitted itself well as senior Alyssa D'Agostino (Chino Hills/Ayala HS) and Hayley Fein (Sparks, Nev./Spanish Springs HS) each earned complete–game wins in her their first collegiate pitching performances.

Senior Madison Casto (Sunnyvale/Homestead HS) went 3-for-3 to lead the 14–hit Otter attack versus Highlands. Junior Jayme Stark (La Quinta HS) led the way in versus Mary with two hits, three RBIs and a stolen base.
 

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THE HIGHLANDS GAME WAS OVER WHEN… Jayme Stark's RBI single made it 8–0 Otters in the second inning.

THE MARY GAME WAS OVER WHEN… A line drive RBI single to center off the bat of Courtney Hennings made it 8–0 Otters in the second.

A NEW ARM'S RACE… Entering play Friday, the Otters did not have a pitcher on the roster who had ever started a collegiate game. It was difficult to tell by the results, however. Alyssa D'Agostino tossed a 3–hitter in her collegiate debut, fanning four in the process. Hayley Fein was every bit as effective, scattering four hits while striking out four in her win.

LEADERS OF THE RAFT… Madison Casto (3x5, 4 runs), Julie Garcia (3x5, 2 2Bs, 2 runs, 3 RBIs), Jayme Stark (4x6, 2B, SB, 3 runs, 5 RBIs),

THEY'VE GOT NEXT… The Otters will face their toughest competition of the weekend Saturday when they take on No. 14 ranked Central Washington at 4:30 p.m. and No. 27 Azusa Pacific at 7 p.m.