May 12, 2000
SALT LAKE CITY -- Colorado State rallied for three runs in the seventh inning to eliminate San Diego State, 4-3, in the third game of the second day of play at the Mountain West Conference Softball Championship hosted by the University of Utah today. With the victory, CSU improved to 16-27 and advances to meet New Mexico in game No. 7 at 9 a.m. Saturday. SDSU is eliminated from the tournament and finishes 35-27.
The game was decided in the bottom of the seventh inning when Sara Hyzer ignited a one-out rally with a single to left field, her third of the game. Hyzer advanced to third on a single by Jennie Orozco, then scored on a sacrifice fly by Alyson Carter. Brittania Erickson then singled to left giving the Rams runners on first and second with Amanda Kocis at bat. Kocis came through with her first hit of the game scoring Erickson and pinch runner Amber Hecht for the win. CSU scored its first run when Beth Karabensh led off with her first home run of the season.
San Diego State scored twice in the third inning to take the early lead and added its third run in the fifth. Kellie Nordhagen led the Aztecs with two hits, including a double. Sandra Durazo was tagged with the pitching loss and dropped to 25-12 on the season. CSU's Kyla Kiester claimed the win, throwing the final four and two-thirds innings. Tara Kroener started the game for the Rams, but was replaced in the third inning.
Because of a two-hour snow delay Thursday morning, the tournament schedule was revised. Friday's 4:30 p.m. game will now be game No. 8 between Utah and UNLV. Game No. 7 will be played Saturday at 9 a.m. The Championship game (No. 11) on Saturday will be a "winner take all" format with if-needed games preceeding it if necessary.