Rams Win First Conference Series with Sunday Victory Over Aztecs

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Oct 11

10:00 AM

Softball

at Nebraska

Oct 11

3:00 PM

Softball

at Nebraska - Omaha

Oct 12

10:00 AM

Softball

at Nebraska

Oct 19

1:00 PM

Softball

vs Northern Colorado

FORT COLLINS, Colo. – The Colorado State softball team finished its first conference series on top Sunday afternoon as the Rams took down the San Diego State Aztecs in game three of the series, 3-2.

Coming into Sunday afternoon with the series tied at one game apiece, the Rams knew they had an opportunity to make a statement in their home opening and conference opening weekend against the defending Mountain West Champion Aztecs after winning the first game of the series, 10-5, but falling in a tough loss yesterday, 15-5. Head Coach Jen Fisher had no doubt her team would be able to bounce back in a rubber match Sunday.

"Last night we talked to every single senior and said we believe in this team so much," Fisher said. "I know we're gonna bounce back and it's probably the most belief of any team I've ever had since I've been here."

The series finale was set with ace Sydney Hornbuckle set to make the start in the circle.

Hornbuckle, starting and taking the win in the Rams' first game of the series Friday, pitched three scoreless innings to start the game, giving up only one hit. Colorado State, while putting the ball in play, was kept off the bases in the first three innings thanks to lock-down defense from San Diego State including a diving catch from left fielder Bella Espinoza in the first inning.

On the second time through the lineup, the Aztecs took advantage of back-to-back walks to load the bases in the fourth inning, eventually scoring two runs in the fourth frame via a hit by pitch and infield fielder's choice.

Colorado State responded in the bottom of the fourth with the top half of its line up due up, starting with senior Peyton Allen. A leadoff single from Allen gave the Rams their first hit of the day, bringing up fellow senior Danielle Serna with only one away. Serna would take an outside pitch down the right field line, scoring Allen all the way from first and earning a triple herself to put CSU on the board.

The next at bat, Hailey Smith reached on an error to the right side of the infield, scoring Makenna McVay who pinch ran for Serna at third. Things were all tied up at two in the fourth.

After being pinch ran for, Serna immediately went into the Colorado State bullpen to warm up pitching. With things tied up, she was handed the ball in the circle in the top of the fifth. Hornbuckle would finish the day pitching four innings, allowing just two hits with one strikeout. She would stay in the lineup to play first base and hit.

"It's nice that both Nelly and Sydney are so versatile," Fisher said. "I call anyone who can pitch and hit a unicorn and I think Nelly is certainly a unicorn and Sydney is well on her way to being there too."

Serna, now in the circle, looked to build off the momentum she was able to gain in the batter's box last inning and continue to lead as one of the top upperclassmen within the CSU roster.

"I really just try to lead by example and try to stay calm in big moments like that," Serna said. "I think my fellow seniors like Peyton and Kate do a good job of grounding me as well because they're very vocal leaders and I just feed off of their energy. I know that they trust me going out there on the field after a big hit like that."

Serna pitched a scoreless fifth inning, setting her teammates up to take the lead in the bottom half of the frame. A Brooke Bohlender single to lead off the inning sparked back-to-back walks to Hornbuckle and Allen followed by an RBI sac fly by Ashley York to put the Rams up 3-2.

Serna finished the game pitching three innings while only allowing one hit to the Aztecs and leading the Rams to their first series victory in conference play.

"To get a series win, that's huge," Serna said. "We had a great first game. They pushed us back in the second game, but I think it speaks volumes to this team and how we're able to bounce back from a game like yesterday's."

Fisher spoke to what it meant to get their first series win of the season in front of Colorado State's home fan base in its new and improved Ram Field complex.

"I think we put our brand on this new field and you know, our brand is Ramily, it's integrity and love and I think we really did a good job with that," Fisher said. "I loved the atmosphere we had here, and I just appreciate so much all the people and fans coming out."

The Rams will head back on the road next weekend as they continue conference play against the Mountain West preseason No. 1 Boise State Broncos. Colorado State will play Friday and Saturday at 4 p.m. with Sunday's first pitch scheduled for noon.

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