Toros Struggle in Opening Round of Tournament of Champions
April 5, 2002

The Cal State Dominguez Hills softball team went 1-2 in the opening round of the Tournament of Champions, hosted by Cal State Stanislaus.

In the first of three games on the day, the Toros faced Western New Mexico. After a 1-1 tie at the end of seven innings, the international tie break rule, which places a runner on second base, was put into effect. Western New Mexico capitalized on this, scoring four runs in the top of the eighth, while the Toros were only allowed one for a 5-4 final.

CSUDH was only able to muster four hits in the game, compared to the WNM who had five runs off of 12 hits.

Toro hurler Patrina Smith went the distance for the loss.

The second game, matched up CSUDH with St. Martin's. The Toros took an 1-0 lead in the first, but St. Martin's was able to answer in the bottom of that inning recording two runs. They would extend their lead to 5-1 with three runs in the fourth inning.

The Toros tried to counter but were held to only two runs in the sixth and seventh inning. But it was not enough as the Toros suffered a 5-3 loss. The two Dani's on the squad, that is, Stronks and Proctor, had two hits a piece for CSUDH. Tracy Barrientos was charged the loss in 3 and 1/3 innings.

The Toros were looking to rebound in game three to prevent a 0-3 day. It was a close one, but CSUDH managed to squeak out an 6-5 win.

Dani Stronks was strong from the plate again as she went 2 of 3 with 2 RBI. Ro Lutz went 1 of 3 with 3 RBI. Lutz's RBI came off of a double.

Freshman ace Valerie Long threw for the win. Long is now undefeated on the season, posting a 5-0 record.

CSUDH is now 23-13 on the season. They will continue in tournament action tomorrow.