Update! – The Fresno State softball celebrated senior day with a 4-0 win over New Mexico on Sunday afternoon in Bulldog Diamond. The Bulldogs (30-22, 11-7 MW) honored Mackenzie Mendonca and Diane Runge prior to the game with a special senior celebration.
“The seniors have been the glue to this team,” said head coach Trisha Ford. “Coming with a new staff and it being their senior year, they embraced us and what we were teaching. Both are high character individuals that represent Bulldog families and traditions. The seniors showed all the underclassmen what it means to be a Bulldog, which is to work hard on the field, in the classroom and in the community.”
Freshman Jill Compton continued to dominate in the circle in her second appearance of the weekend. She threw her third consecutive complete game shutout and seventh of the season. Compton has dealt 21 straight scoreless innings dating back to her last outing against San Diego State.
“It was a great win today and great to finish our final home stand with a win,” Ford said. “Jill came out in the first inning and really set the tone and did a great job. She didn’t allow them to really threaten until the sixth inning. It all starts with pitching in our game.”
Junior Vonnie Martin plated the first run of the game giving the `Dogs the lead 1-0 after the first inning. Martin hit .625 on the series with five hits and four RBI against the Lobos.
“Vonnie has been on a real tear the last month,” said Ford. “She’s been clutch with runners in scoring position and getting the job done.”
In the second inning, Compton surrendered a hit before striking out the side. She gave up a total of three hits in 14 innings against New Mexico. Compton went on to retire 12 in row in order from the second to the fifth inning. She also struck out five straight batters and set a new career-high of 12.
“Jill came out today and was crisper than her outing on Friday,” Ford said of Compton’s outing. “It was a great job for her to come back and rebound from Friday’s performance.”
The Bulldogs added three runs in the fourth inning. Maria Sio started the scoring frenzy after coming home on a Lobo throwing error. With the bases loaded, Runge scored on an illegal pitch and the final run of the inning was scored after Paige Gumz recorded a walk with the bases loaded. Fresno State headed the fifth inning with a 4-0 lead.
The `Dogs collected eight stolen bases in the final game of the series to set a new single-game record, Sophomore Brenna Moss had three stolen bases, which tied the individual single-game record for stolen bases. Fresno State recorded 10 hits on the afternoon with four Bulldogs recording two hits. Sio, Runge, Stesha Brazil and Michelle Solomon all had a multi-hit game.
The Bulldogs conclude the 2013 regular season on Saturday, May 11 with a double header at Long Beach State.
“Discover Fresno State Athletics!” — Bulldog softball travels to Long Beach State for a double header against the 49ers on Saturday, May 11. Catch the action on ESPN 790 The Deuce, home Bulldog softball. Stay connected with the Bulldogs on Facebook (fresnostateathletics) and Twitter (@FSAthletics).