Feb. 6, 2005
SAN DIEGO -
Newcomers led the way for <?xml:namespace prefix="st1" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"?>San Diego State Sunday afternoon in the final game of the 2005 Aztec Invitational, a 9-1 six-inning victory over Saint Mary's (1-5). Freshman Taryin Casillas led the Aztec hit parade with a 2-4 showing, doubling twice with two RBI and a run scored. Sophomore transfer Katie Cochran (1-0) earned her first win at SDSU with a strong six-inning, three-strikeout performance.<?xml:namespace prefix="o" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"?>
"We are excited by the strong play of all of our players in this tournament," head coach Kathy Van Wyk said. "Taryin Casillas was impressive all weekend for us, and Katie Cochran showed that she is another option for us in the circle."
As had been the case all weekend, the Aztecs (5-0) jumped on top early and never looked back. SDSU opened the top of the second with seven runs thanks to four hits and a pair of Gael errors, and sent 10 batters to the box. Casillas got the big hit when she slammed a two-RBI double, her second two-bagger in two at bats and fourth of the tournament. Freshmen Tamini Wells, Dani Sidoti and Kristen Carranza, plus senior Danielle Touhey and junior Meagan Hartung picked up RBI in the inning. SDSU tacked on lone runs in the third and the sixth to finish the scoring for the Aztecs.
"Like we had done most of the weekend, we were able to put together a big inning and get some tough hits," Van Wyk said. "When your offense plays like ours has so far, it makes pitching easier."
Cochran went the distance for SDSU, giving up six hits and stranding 10 Saint Mary's runners. Touhey went 2-2 with a RBI and Jamie Burton pounded a RBI double. Senior Lacey Craft finished off a 6-10 weekend with a pair of hits, including a two-bagger.
The Aztecs return to action Wednesday, Feb. 9 at the University of San Diego. Gametime for SDSU and the Toreros is set for 6 p.m.