Junior catcher Alexis Gonzalez attempts to throw out a runner trying to steal second base in Fullerton’s matchup with New Mexico on March 20. She currently boasts an impressive .374 batting average and leads the Titans with six home runs and 33 RBIs.
(Patrick Do/ Daily Titan Stock Photo)
The Cal State Fullerton softball team has the chance to tie and ultimately beat its season-high, seven-game win streak, as the team (31-10 overall, 6-0 Big West Conference) hosts the UC Davis Aggies (14-19 overall, 3-3 Big West) this weekend.
The Titans conquered the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Mustangs (16-17 overall, 0-6 Big West) in a series sweep at Bob Janssen Field, extending the Cal Poly SLO losing streak in conference play to six games. CSUF outscored the Mustangs 15-5 in three games over the weekend.
The Aggies, who have struggled in away games this season (0-4), face the task of derailing the red-hot Titans, riding their six-game win streak. UC Davis’ last away game saw them suffer a devastating 9-0 loss against the University of the Pacific.
The Titans remain in first place in the Big West standings, while the Aggies sit in sixth.
UC Davis is coming off a 2-1 series loss at home over Long Beach State (24-13 overall, 4-2 Big West). The Aggies, however, kept the series interesting, being outscored just 11-9.
The season has seen solid performances thus far from key Fullerton hitters, including sophomore outfielder Samantha Vandiver, who boasts a .366 average in 134 at-bats, and senior infielder Missy Taukeiaho, who owns a .387 average in 119 at-bats. Vandiver and Taukeiaho each scored three runs in the Titans’ recent series against the Mustangs.
As of late, the Titans’ opponents have struggled to score runs against them, due in part to the efforts of senior pitcher Desiree Ybarra, who owns a solid 10-5 record in 25 appearances. She has pitched her way through eight complete games. Ybarra owns an impressive 1.84 ERA and has totaled 95 strikeouts this season.
Contesting the Titans’ pitching staff in the Aggie batter’s box are junior infielder Alexis Carney and junior outfielder Brianna Warner, dominating the Davis roster with .326 and .317 averages respectively. Carney currently leads the team with a .442 slugging percentage in her 95 at-bats this season.
The Fullerton offense will be challenged by the Aggies’ strong 3.79 ERA, led by senior lefty Leah Munden, who holds a win-loss record of 8-6 and a 3.53 ERA.
The Titans will look to extend their current win streak and maintain their undefeated conference record with the series opener set to begin at Anderson Family Field on Friday at 5 p.m. and an afternoon doubleheader at noon and 2 p.m. on Saturday.