Seattle University Ousts 20th-Ranked Toros From Easton Tournament of Champions, 3-0
CSUDH Valerie Long named to ETOC All-Tournament Team
April 3, 2005

Complete Box Score

Modesto, CA --- In a rematch of last year’s NCAA postseason contest in which Seattle University eliminated Cal State Dominguez Hills from the Far West Regional, the Redhawks again shut down the Toros, this time by a 3-0 count, on the final day of the Easton Tournament of Champions, hosted by Cal State Stanislaus. With the loss, CSUDH falls to 27-7 on the year, while SU improves to 14-11.

Senior Valerie Long (Stockton, CA/St. Mary’s HS), who yesterday belted a first-inning grand slam as part of her 4-hit, complete game win over Central Washington, shut down the Redhawks for her first six innings of work. The Stockton native fanned eight SU batters against only one walk, and faced the minimum three batters in three innings, and four batters in two others.

The Toros had a golden opportunity to break the scoreless tie in the 5th inning as a Cindy Perry (Victorville, CA/Silverado HS) bunt single with one out followed a Natalie Greco (Downey, CA/Warren HS) walk and Jennifer Funk (Long Beach, CA/St. Joseph HS/San Diego State) single to load the bases. SU starter Erin Martin would buckle down, however, fanning pinch-hitter Pebbel Prestwood (Hesperia, CA/Sultana HS/CS Stanislaus) and inducing Kate Groden (San Pedro, CA/San Pedro HS/SE Missouri Univ.) to pop up to 2B to retire the side.

The Redhawks would use that momentum two innings later to touch Long for all three runs in its final at-bat, the decisive blow coming on a Stepha Stone bases-loaded double to clear the bases, sending the Toros home on elimination Sunday.

Long tossed all 7.0 innings in the loss (12-3), while the Toros were led offensively by Crystal Dingman’s (Sunland, CA/Verdugo HS/College of the Canyons) two hits. For her stellar work in the circle during the three-day tournament, Long was named to the ETOC All-Tournament Team.

The Toros resume conference action on the road as they face UC San Diego and Cal State San Bernardino this Friday and Saturday, respectively, before returning home on Sunday, April 10, to host the Tritons in a make-up doubleheader on Toro Diamond. First pitch of game one is scheduled for 12 noon.