March 13, 2005
LAKEWOOD, Calif. -
<?xml:namespace prefix="st1" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"?>San Diego State softball defeated Loyola Marymount 1-0 and fell to host No. 25 Long Beach State 2-0 in the final day of the LBSU tournament at Mayfair Park. The Aztecs move to 18-11 on the season.<?xml:namespace prefix="o" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"?>
Both games were pitching duels, with Cori Janelli (7-6) tossing a complete-game, three-hit shutout against the Lions, her fourth of the season, striking out five and walking none in her seven innings of work.
SDSU got its lone run on the game in the first after Erin Mahoney led off with a bunt single. Dani Sidoti moved her over to second on a sacrifice, and Mahoney stole third before Allison Smith knocked her home on a fielder choice. LMU had a chance to tie it up in the sixth, but rightfielder Sidoti caught a sacrifice fly attempt and threw a laser to home plate to catch the Lion runner from third.
In game two, Celena Velasquez (9-4) went four innings, striking out four and walking none, but a Brooke Lesage two-run home run in the fourth was all the 49ers would need to top the Aztecs. Janelli worked a perfect two-innings of relief, striking out three in the process. LBSU starter Meredith Cervenka got the complete-game win, stranding six SDSU runners, including three in scoring position, on five hits.
The Aztecs were led on the day by Kristen Carranza, who was 2-for-5 and by Mahoney, who was 2-for-6 with a run scored.
SDSU returns home this weekend, hosting UC Santa Barbara, Georgia Southern, Towson, Longwood and Oregon at the SDSU Classic, March 18-20. Go to www.goaztecs.com for the full tournament schedule.