The Aztecs softball team responded back after their 0-5 weekend in Fullerton.

SDSU softball suffered more than just the no-hit loss to the Bruins on Saturday night, though.

During the first game on Saturday against Sacramento State, the Aztecs lost star leadoff hitter Bella Espinoza. Before hitting a foul ball off the inside of her foot, she got on base five times in her last six at-bats. Espinoza looked like her groove was starting to come back after a rough weekend in Fullerton.

The Aztecs started the weekend besting LMU 6-2 in the lone game of their day.

The first game was canceled due to field conditions after heavy rain the night before. Espinoza got on base in all four of her plate appearances in the game. Cali Decker had another great game, going 3-for-4. Grace Uribe started the game and pitched well for the Aztecs. Going five innings, giving up only one run. She also went 2-for-3 in the box.

The next day, the Aztecs opened the day against Sac State.

Cece Cellura started the game for the Aztecs and struggled in the first. After giving up two runs early, Cellura settled in. She sat down the last eleven batters she faced, going four innings before being relieved by Uribe in the fifth.

For the first time all year, Decker had a bad day, not getting on base at all in both games on Saturday. Her teammates picked her up as Julie Holcomb had herself a solid week. Holcomb recorded a clutch two RBI triple Friday and had a two-hit game vs. Sac State. The bottom of the lineup was responsible for all the RBIs during the game, something Coach Deniz has been wanting. Jazmin Williams got two hits, Quinn Waiki earned one hit and a sacrifice fly for three RBIs.

The Aztecs were hoping to carry momentum into the nightcap against the Bruins.

Unfortunately for the Aztecs, they ran into a brick wall. That brick wall was Taylor Tinsley.

The Aztecs were guessing and could not square her up all night. Tinsley threw a no-hitter against the Aztecs to cap the night for UCLA. She had all three of her pitches working and tunneling to perfection. The rise ball, change-up, and fastball trio were deadly. The Aztecs got on base twice, on an error by the third basemen and a walk by Williams. That was not how the Aztecs wanted to end the night, especially going into conference play.

San Diego State has unfortunately lost two players to injury.

Lala Macario and Espinoza. Macario hurt her knee, and it is believed that she will not be available in the foreseeable future. As of right now, regarding Espinoza, it’s a mystery. She was seen talking to coaches and a trainer before the team warm-ups before facing off against UCLA. She was testing her ankle and was visibly frustrated. She left the field on a cart and was not in the dugout for the UCLA game. Her status is TBD until further information is given, which is a huge loss for the team heading into conference play.

The Aztecs travel to Logan for a three-game set vs. Utah State. All three games will not be televised, but you will be able to follow the stats.

Friday will start at 3 PM PT. Saturday and Sunday beginning at 11 AM PT.

Bryant Thursby

Assistant Coach at Heritage High School. A big time SDSU fanatic and Padres fan.