Long Beach State Closes Puerto Vallarta College Challenge With 5-2 Win Over Lamar

Photo by: John Fajardo

Long Beach State Closes Puerto Vallarta College Challenge With 5-2 Win Over Lamar

2/13/2022 10:37:00 AM | Softball

Samantha Fowler allowed just one hit over six innings to earn the win.

By: Roger Kirk, Associate Athletics Director, Communications & Broadcast

PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico – Lamar struck first, but Long Beach State had clutch hitting in the later innings as the Beach closed out their opening weekend in Mexico with a 5-2 victory.

Samantha Fowler faced the minimum over the first three innings, but Lamar (1-4) was able to get on the board in the fourth inning. Two walks and a fielder's choice left three on with one out in front of Audry Fleming, who hit a hot shot to third that Asleigh Inae couldn't handle, allowing two runs to score and putting Lamar in front 2-0.

Long Beach State (2-3) wasted no time in bouncing back. Cam Cecil started off the fourth inning with a single, and after another hit from Marissa Caballero, Sinclair Lawhorn brought home the first run of the game for the Beach as a pinch hitter with a single. Sara Olson then cracked a triple off of the wall in the gap to bring home two more and LBSU took a 3-2 lead after four innings.

Sara Olson continues to have a big weekend in Mexico! The sophomore with a two-run triple here put @LBSUSoftball in the lead against Lamar, and the Beach is on top 5-2 at the end of the 5th! #GoBeach pic.twitter.com/PMOmxmgyjR
— LBSU Softball (@LBSUSoftball) February 13, 2022

                Back-to-back singles from Kyra Snyder and Justine Briones got another rally started in the fifth inning, and after Cecil pushed the pair over, Marissa Caballero brought both runs home with a clutch hit to extend the Long Beach State lead to 5-2.

                Fowler ultimately gave up just one hit over six innings, a single in the sixth, while Shelby Frutoz worked a scoreless seventh inning to collect her first collegiate save.

                Olson along with senior catcher Justine Briones were named to the Puerto Vallarta College Challenge All-Tournament Team. Both started all five games, as Olson hit .333 with five RBI, while Justin Briones hit .375 with four RBI and a home run.

                Tournament play continues next week for the Beach as LBSU travels to Tucson to take part in the Arizona Hillenbrand Invitational. The Beach will play the hosts, No. 9 Arizona twice, as well as Loyola Marymount and Kentucky starting on Friday, February 18.