Rainy weather couldn’t slow down San Diego State softball at home in the inaugural San Diego Classic. The Aztecs — who came into the tournament off of a win against Stanford University — won their first three games before falling to No. 2 University of Oregon late Saturday night.
SDSU started the tournament hot against St. John’s University. Led by the hitting of freshman right fielder Taylor Stewart and freshman catcher Jenavee Peres, the Aztecs scored the first 10 runs of the game. Sophomore pitcher Erica Romero struck out seven batters and SDSU held on to win by the final score of 13-8.
In the nightcap, SDSU faced off against California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo. While the game was close early, the Aztecs were able to pull away in the fifth inning when they scored five runs on four hits, two walks and a wild pitch. Romero threw a complete game in the Aztecs’ 8-2 victory.
On Saturday, rain and an extra-innings game delayed the Aztecs’ start time against Iowa State University. However, head coach Kathy Van Wyk did her best to keep her players prepared despite the long delay.
“It was very frustrating because you get fired up and ready to go and then you have to sit and you kind of lose your energy,” Van Wyk said. “But it is part of the game. You’ve just got to deal with it.”
When the Iowa State game finally got underway, the Aztecs didn’t miss a beat. They scored any way they could and played stellar defense on their wet and muddy field.
After scoring a run in the second inning with “small-ball” offense, SDSU padded its lead with the long ball. Peres knocked a two-run homer over the left centerfield fence put to SDSU ahead by three and give the Aztecs all the scoring they would need.
On the mound, Romero scattered six hits and two walks over seven innings. She picked up her third win of the tournament and third complete-game shutout of the season. The Aztecs beat Iowa State 3-0.
In the late game Saturday, SDSU faced the No. 2 Oregon Ducks. Although the Aztecs fell behind early by six runs, they played well in the 7-3 loss. Two of the Aztecs’ three runs came on a home run from senior right fielder Kayla Jordan. Jordan explained that her focus in the batter’s box is one of her keys to hitting, especially against top competition.
“Going into the box, I’m just thinking base hits,” Jordan said. “Just trying to help the team however I can.”
While Oregon might be the team best known for flashy uniforms and equipment, Jordan was not about to be outdone by the Ducks. She jokingly mentioned that a new accessory might just be giving her a slight advantage at the plate
“I put a bow in my hair,” said Jordan. “So I guess it’s bringing me luck.”
Look for Jordan and the Aztecs’ luck to continue as they head to the Judi Garman Classic where they will face University of the Pacific, No. 3 University of Michigan, University of Iowa, Long Beach State University, and California State University, Fullerton.
