SDSU softball takes on Fresno State in the MW Championship
SDSU/Fresno State Logo
After winning two games Friday in the Mountain West Tournament, the SDSU Aztecs softball team has another date with the Fresno State Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs made it to the championship game on the back of their ace Serayah Neiss.
Neiss pitched in three games for the Bulldogs. She threw three complete games and only two runs. She has been a monster in the circle, especially with runners on base.
In the Aztecs’ 3-0 loss to the Bulldogs on Thursday, the Aztecs got aboard eleven times versus the Bulldogs’ ace. The problem was that the Aztecs were 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position and 3-for-18 with runners on base—not a recipe for success.
The Aztecs fixed that problem in the two games on Friday. The Aztecs are playing with a do-or-die mentality. Cece Cellura, Bella Espinoza, Gabriella Terrones, and Coach Stacey Nuveman Deniz all spoke after game two about the mentality and the message going into tomorrow.
The message? Take it one game at a time.
If the Aztecs defeat the Bulldogs in game one, the two will play in a winner-takes-all game shortly after the conclusion.
What do the Aztecs need to do for that to happen?
For starters, the defense needs to be sharp and not commit any errors. Make the Bulldogs line up beat you; do not give them any base for free. During Thursday’s matchup, the Aztec pitchers did a great job against the Bulldogs. If it weren’t for an error in the outfield, Cellura and Grace Uribe would have held Fresno State to just one run.
The more obvious answer.
San Diego State’s bats need to come alive and take advantage when they get runners on in dangerous spots. The objective is to hit at or above .300 with runners on base. If the Aztecs do that, it could bode problems for Fresno State. Two Aztecs are key to the team’s success on Saturday afternoon.
Cece Cellura and Cali Decker.
Cellura will be asked to try to shut down the Bulldogs’ lineup and keep the Aztecs within striking distance. She has been electric on the mound and wants the ball when it comes down to it. Decker will be the key to the Aztecs’ offensive success. If Decker can get rolling, the sky is the limit for the Aztec offense.
The first game will be played at 12 p.m. Saturday, May 10. If the Aztecs win the first game, a second will be played in a winner-take-all game to earn a bid to the NCAA Tournament. All games will be streamed live on the Mountain West Network.
Assistant Coach at Heritage High School. A big time SDSU fanatic and Padres fan.