Toros Sweep Eagles in Non-Conference Softball Home Field Finale
CSUDH takes the 2-0, 1-0 wins over visiting Concordia University
March 8, 2002

Complete Box Score - Game 1

Complete Box Score - Game 2

CARSON, Calif.-It was an appropriate way to say goodbye. Two wins, two shutouts. The Toros played their last game at Toro Diamond today, with a 2-0, 1-0 wins over the visiting Eagles of Concordia University. As of Monday, the team will move to an off-sight venue as Toro Diamond is being completely relocated and renovated due to construction of the National Training Center.

In game one, CSUDH went with hurler Valerie Long. The freshman picked up the first win of her collegiate career last week and was looking to add another "W" to her ledger today. Long allowed only three hits in the distance, while striking out five. The Toros bats were alive however, as they tallied seven hits in the game.

The Toros first score of the game came in the bottom of the third when senior Sasha Shell singled to the pitcher but used her speed to beat the throw, then took a big lead to steal second. With the bases loaded, senior 3B RoAna Lutz was up at the plate. Lutz sentone down the left field line to drive in Shell for the RBI.

The Toros would strike again in the fourth, when the Eagle pitching staff struggled, sending a run home on base on balls. Danielle Proctor was up at that time and earned the RBI when Janie Olivas scored off the walk.

The Toros defense would stand strong, backing their freshman pitcher. Long, who allowed a hit in the second, would not allow another one until the sixth inning when Kristen Degree singled through the right side. But Long sent the next two down swinging to retire the inning. The Eagles would also pick up a run in the seventh inning, when Sarah Kammet sent one to right. Long was on her toes though as Christa Rhine popped up to Long for the Eagle third out, the game for the Toros, and the win and shutout for Long.

Game two began with some pitching and defensive changes for CSUDH. The Toros went with pitcher Rebecca Rios, who went for three innings before being relieved by Lisa Monreal. Rios gave up three hits and walked one before she was relieved. Monreal struggled as well, giving up back to back singles. Finally, the Toros called on ace Patrina Smith. Smith would pitch till the very end, allowing just one hit.

The Toros offensive game struggled as well. They were held hitless until the bottom of the fourth when Proctor singled to left center, and Dani Stronks followed with a slice up to the shortstop. CSUDH was unable to convert those hits to runs as the Eagles defense turned a double play to end the inning.

After regulation, each pitching staff and defense was at the top of their game. In the top of the eighth, it was three and out for the Eagles, and the Toros would follow with the same misfortune. It wasn't until the bottom of the tenth when Renee Synder would lead things off with a single to left center. Jo Orozco, who made some big defensive plays during the day was put in to run for Synder and started things off with a stolen base. Orozco was advanced to third by Shell. With two outs, it was all Danielle Proctor's game. Proctor had been strong all day, getting hits in two of four at bats. With an almost loaded count, Proctor nailed a single to left center driving home the winning run.

Smith was awarded the win and now moves to 7-2 on the season. Proctor was the hottest Toro from the plate today, going three of five.

The Toros are now 14-9 on the season with the two non-conference wins. They will be in action tomorrow when they travel to CS Bakersfield in CCAA action.