Spartans split day two in New Mexico, finish tournament 2-2

By Madyson Montoya — Staff Writer

San Jose State softball (5-5) finished day two of the Troy Cox Classic in the same way as day one — by winning the first and dropping the second.

The Spartans got its work done quickly in the first game against New Mexico State (6-2) as it scored all three of its runs in the first inning.

Senior pitcher/infielder Madison Aurin put the first run on the board by reaching on an error by NMSU’s first baseman. Junior outfielder Makayla Englestad scored on the play.

Right after that, freshman pitcher/infielder Jenessa Ullegue extended SJSU’s lead to three with a 2-RBI single.

The Aggies were having a rough time as they allowed the Spartans to have such a strong start and failed to answer back in any way until the third inning with one run.

They picked things up as their pitcher threw seven strikeouts and only gave up four hits — but that was not enough to stop the Spartans from winning 3-1.

Aurin and Ullegue split the mound again. Aurin pitched the first four innings and gave up eight hits and only one run.

From there, Ullegue closed out the game and recorded her second save of the season.

SJSU immediately resumed play in their second game against Bradley University (5-4). Proving to be tired from the previous game, the Spartans gave up four runs in the first inning.

Momentum kicked off though when Ullegue hit a home run to left field, making the score 4-2 by then end of the fourth inning.

Sophomore pitcher Caroline Bowman took the mound for five innings, but gave up two home runs in the sixth inning, which was enough for Ullegue to come in for relief.

A new pitcher was not going to ruin the Braves hitting streak as they went on to hit three more home runs in that inning and two more in the seventh, taking an eight-run lead.

The end of the doubleheader was difficult for the Spartans to handle as they took a 14-6 defeat. They originally had one more game set for tomorrow but it has been cancelled.

SJSU leaves the tournament 2-2 and have a week until the Silicon Valley Classic.

Follow Madyson on Twitter @MadysonMontoya 

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