San Diego State Softball Triumphs Over Arizona State

News Summary

The San Diego State softball team achieved a thrilling 3-2 victory against Arizona State in the NCAA Tournament. Key performances included back-to-back home runs by Grace Uribe and Gabriella Terrones in the seventh inning, which secured the win for the Aztecs. Pitcher Cece Cellura held off Arizona State’s attempts to rally, ensuring the victory and advancing SDSU to the next round against UCLA. This win improved their season record to 38-17, showcasing their skill and resilience on the field.

Los Angeles – The San Diego State softball team secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Arizona State on Friday night, advancing them further in the NCAA Tournament. The game took place at Easton Stadium, located on the campus of UCLA, marking a significant moment for the Aztecs as they made their 15th appearance in the tournament.

The contest began with immediate action when seniors Bella Espinoza and Cali Decker combined to put SDSU on the board with the game’s first run in the top of the first inning. This early lead established momentum for the Aztecs, who kept Arizona State at bay until the second inning.

Arizona State countered in the bottom of the second inning, leveling the score at 1-1 thanks to a sacrifice bunt followed by a sacrifice fly. The tipping point of the game came in the bottom of the sixth inning when Arizona State took the lead with a second run, making it 2-1.

However, the Aztecs demonstrated resilience as they entered the seventh inning down by one run. With the pressure mounting and only three outs left, Grace Uribe and Gabriella Terrones delivered back-to-back home runs. Uribe’s home run tied the contest at 2-2, while Terrones’ spectacular shot clinched a 3-2 lead for SDSU, setting off celebrations among the team and supporters.

Cece Cellura, pitching for the Aztecs, effectively closed out the game, holding Arizona State from mounting a comeback. In a tense finish, Arizona State’s pitcher Kenzie Brown began the seventh inning strong, recording a quick groundout and consistently keeping her team’s hopes alive until the decisive home runs by Uribe and Terrones transformed the game’s narrative.

The Aztecs improved their overall season record to 38-17 with this victory, demonstrating both skill and tenacity in a nail-biting contest. SDSU’s triumph also marked a positive turn as their all-time NCAA Tournament record at Easton Stadium improved to 14-12.

Throughout the last ten games, Gabriella Terrones has been a standout player, notching three home runs, seven RBIs, and an impressive 2.314 OPS, proving instrumental in the team’s recent success.

In terms of game dynamics, SDSU had to contend with critical moments, including a pinch-hit single from Olivia Gigante and a stolen base by Jazmin Williams that put additional pressure on the defending team. In a pivotal moment, Kelsey Hall’s attempt to stretch a single into a double was thwarted when she was thrown out by Espinoza, adding to the tension in the closing innings.

Arizona State also posed a continued threat when Ayden Allen doubled, bringing the potential winning run to the plate, but Cellura maintained her composure, striking out the final batter to secure the win for San Diego State.

Looking ahead, San Diego State will face UCLA in the next round of the tournament, scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. PT. The match will be broadcasted on ESPN+, as SDSU looks to build on their momentum from this hard-fought victory.

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Additional Resources

• San Diego State Softball Schedule
• East Village Times: SDSU Softball Eliminated from UCLA Regional
• ESPN: San Diego State vs Arizona State Game
• Arizona Wildcats: Softball No. 10 Arizona Run Rules No. 23 San Diego State
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Softball