April 17, 2008

San Jose, CA (UWIRE) -- The SJSU softball team used two different methods to sweep an afternoon doubleheader against UC Davis on Wednesday, ending its five-game losing streak.

SJSU took the first game, which featured a pitchers duel between the Spartans' Deanna Mauer and the Aggies' Jessica Hancock, 2-1. The Spartans then used an eight-run third inning that led to a 10-1 win in Game 2.

The Spartans (23-25) started off strong in the first inning of Game 1, scoring both of their runs.

Center fielder Sarah Taylor got things going for SJSU with the first of her two hits on the day. Shortstop Kelli Fangonilo then walked, and the following batter, Brittany McConnell, hit a ball back to the pitcher. Taylor was forced out at third, but Fangonilo was able to score on an error by the Aggies' third baseman. McConnell later scored on a Kayla Hayes single to right field.

"We scored in the first inning, so that was great," Hayes said.

Mauer pitched seven strong innings, allowing one run on six hits while striking out three Aggie hitters.

"My defense helped me tremendously," Mauer said. "I stepped up, and we finished it in the last inning."

Head coach Peter Turner said the team played one of its better games of the season.

"We played better than we ever have, so I'm pretty pleased," Turner said. "We had a great pitching performance. Deanna (Mauer) did a good job for us and held it down."

Fangonilo and Hayes combined for six of the Spartans' 11 hits in Game 2 as the SJSU offense erupted for 10 runs.

The Spartans batted around in their big third inning, which included seven hits, two of which were a double and a single by Fangonilo.

"I was happy with our hitting," Mauer said. "We made the plays for sure, and we definitely got the runs that we needed to win."

With SJSU's No. 2 starting pitcher Roxanne Bejarano out for the rest of the season due to a broken wrist, freshman pitcher Jennifer Ames got the start for the Spartans in Game 2.

She recorded her first complete game of the season, striking out two on the way to her fifth win of the year.

"I think she's doing really well," Turner said. "With Roxanne out for the year, (Ames) had to step up in the games. She's come a long way, and I expect big things out of her."

With 10 games remaining in the season, the two wins Wednesday gave the Spartans 23 for the season, already tying last years win total.

"I'm pleased, but I'll be honest; we have left eight to nine games on the table that we should have won," Turner said.

He said he is optimistic about the rest of the season and added that if the team limits its mistakes they should do well.

(C) 2008 Spartan Daily via UWIRE