'Dogs fall in close contest, 8-7

Friday, February 11

Orlando, FL

8 AM PT

Fresno State

0-1

Longwood University

1-0

Longwood

Fresno State

'Dogs fall in close contest, 8-7

2/11/2022 2:14:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

By: Taylor Martinez / Strategic Communications

ORLANDO, FLA. – The Fresno State softball team fell to Longwood 8-7 on the second day of the CFX Classic hosted by UCF, Friday afternoon at the UCF Softball Complex.

The Bulldogs (0-1, 0-0 MW) had five players record a hit in the contest. Freshman Alex Wright logged her first collegiate hit with a two-RBI double. Sophomore Keahilele Mattson, Fresno State's home run leader in 2021, smashed her first home run of the season.

Fresno State had three pitchers see time in the circle. Sophomore Cassidy West recorded her first career start. She tallied 3.2 innings and dished three strikeouts. Fifth-year transfers Marley Hanlon and Casey Dixon made their Bulldog debuts in the circle.

HOW IT HAPPENED:
Longwood recorded the first hit of the game with a two-out single in the first frame, West would close the inning out with a strikeout to strand the runner.

The Bulldogs' leadoff Alana Cobb-Adams got on base after being hit by the pitch. Wright drew a two-out walk to keep the inning alive and put two runners on base. Both runners moved into scoring position due to a passed ball and another passed ball would score Cobb-Adams, putting the Bulldogs on the scoreboard first.

The Longwood batters were retired in order as West once again ended the inning with a strikeout. Adrianna Noriega drew a leadoff walk to start the next inning. Avery Lawley belted a double off the wall, moving Noriega to third base. Both runners capitalized on a passed ball to extend the Bulldogs' lead 3-0.

Longwood put up a two-run inning in the fourth to make it a one-run game. The 'Dogs were unable to answer in the bottom of the frame, bringing the Lancers back up to the plate.

The leadoff hitter reached base on an error by the second baseman, and a successful bunt put runners on the corners. Longwood hit a three-run home run to take the lead. The Lancers capped off the inning with a two-RBI double for a total of five runs in the frame. Emily Nielson fought back for the 'Dogs with a leadoff triple to center field. Mattson followed with a walk and quickly stole second base. With two runners in scoring position, Wright smacked a two-RBI double. Taryn Irigoyen made her first collegiate appearance entering the game to pinch-run for the 'Dogs. Alesia Denby sent up a sacrifice fly to center field, bringing Irigoyen across home plate from second base. Fresno State tallied three runs to make it a one-run game, 7-6.

Fresno State sent Longwood down in order, but the Lancers would return the favor in the bottom of the frame. The Bulldogs entered the seventh inning trailing by one.

Longwood was able to score an insurance run with a solo home run to start the final inning. The Lancers follwed with a single and drew a walk to put two runners on base with one out. Kacey Hvitved and Wright turned a double play to end the inning and strand the two Lancers.

Mattson homered to center field, and it was back to a one-run game. Longwood's center fielder made an outstanding catch to get the second out. The Bulldogs were unable to complete the comeback as the Lancer's pitcher dished a strikeout for the final out.

Notables:

Fresno State was outhit 10-5 in the contest.
Fresno State's five hits came from five different Bulldogs.
Fresno State had six players make their first career starts (Cobb-Adams, Hvitved, Nielson, West, B. Williams, Wright)
Adrianna Noriega, who played right field for the entirety of 2021, made the move to second base.
Pitchers Casey Dixon and Marley Hanlon made their first appearances as Bulldogs.
Alex Wright recorded her first career hit, double, RBI and walk.
Alana Cobb-Adams scored her first run as a Bulldog.
Emery Nielson recorded her first triple as a Bulldog.
Avery Lawley logged her first double of the season.
Keahilele Mattson hit her first home run of the season.

WHAT'S NEXT
Fresno State will continue the CFX Classic with two games tomorrow. The Bulldogs are slated to face No. 12 Georgia at 6 a.m. PT and host UCF at 11 a.m. PT.

"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please visit bulldogfoundation.org.

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