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Mustangs and Highlanders Split Doubleheader

(April 1, 2006) - The visiting UC Riverside Highlanders and host Cal Poly Mustangs split a pair of games in the Big West opening doubleheader at Bob Janssen Field in San Luis Obispo Saturday. The Highlanders took the opener, 2-1, but lost game two, 7-1.

With the split, UCR improved to 20-10 on the season, while Cal Poly moved to 14-17.

Freshman starter Stephanie Marshall improved to 12-4 on the season with an outstanding performance in the opener, as she scattered six hits and allowed one earned run in eight innings of work.

The Highlanders took the advantage of a defensive lapse by the Mustangs in the eighth as senior center fielder Jamie Yee reached on an error, then went to second as senior third baseman Melissa Sanchez walked. Yee and pinch runner Veronica Yee were moved up 60 feet on a sacrifice by junior shortstop Kristie Martinez, then Jamie Yee came home moments later on an RBI single by sophomore catcher Cassie Greenawalt. Marshall then shut down the Mustangs in the bottom of the inning to hold on to the 2-1 win.

In the nightcap, the Mustangs jumped on sophomore starter Christin Songer for two runs in the first and never looked back. UCR got a single run back in the top of the second as junior first baseman Jenny Thompson doubled home Greenawalt, who was hit by a pitch.

However, Cal Poly went on to score five unanswered runs, which was all that starter Jenna Maiden needed. She allowed just three hits and one earned run in seven innings of work, improving to 4-7. Songer fell to 6-3, allowing 10 hits and seven earned runs in six innings of work.

Mustangs Win Rubber Game With Shutout

(April 2, 2006) - The Cal Poly Mustangs took the rubber game of the their three game Big West Conference opening game with visiting UC Riverside, posting a 4-0 shutout victory.

With the win the Mustangs improve to an overall record of 15-17 and record a conference record of 2-1. UCR is now 20-11 overall and 1-2 in the Big West.

The Mustangs scored twice in the third and added two more in the fourth, giving starter Robyn Kontra all the support she would need. Kontra allowed just five hits and walked three, while striking out six.

UCR junior starter Sara Radabaugh was roughed up for six hits and two earned runs in 2.1 innings of work. Freshman Stephanie Marshall finished up with 3.2 innings of work, allowing four hits and two earned runs.

Highlanders Split With Aggies in Non-Conference Doubleheader

(April 8, 2006) - The visiting UC Riverside Highlanders split a non-conference doubleheader with the host UC Davis Aggies at La Rue Field in Davis Saturday. UCR took game one by a score of 8-2 before the Aggies came back with a 9-6 victory in the second game.

The Highlanders improved to 21-12 overall, while UC Davis fell to 11-23.

In the opener, the Highlanders scored three runs in the top of the first in on RBI singles by junior shortstop Kristie Martinez, a wild pitch and an RBI single by junior first baseman Jennifer Thompson. The Aggies answered back with a single run in the bottom of the third off of UCR freshman starter Stephanie Marshall, but the Highlanders put the game away in the fourth with five runs. Sophomore catcher Cassie Greenawalt's bases loaded single started the scoring, with the second run coming home on an error. Thompson's bases loaded walk tallied the third run, and sophomore designated player Danira Iolamo's two run single capped the scoring.

Marshall improved to 13-4 on the season, allowing five hits and two earned runs in seven innings of work. Lindsay Tognetti took the loss for the Aggies, falling to 4-8.

Game two again saw the Highlanders score first with a pair of runs in the first on a two-run double by Iolamo, but the Aggies answered back with a pair of their own in the bottom of the inning. UCR scored a pair of unearned runs in the second to jump out to a 4-2 lead, but the lead was short lived as Davis tallied four runs in the third to regain the lead. UCD would add three runs to build the margin to 9-4, The Highlanders tallied a pair of runs in the top of the seventh on a two-run triple by sophomore Veronica Yee, and had the tying run at the plate, but could not pull even.

Sophomore starter Christin Songer allowed nine hits and eight earned runs in six innings of work, falling to 6-3. Christina Grimm improved to 2-6, allowing eight hits and six runs (two earned) in the win.

Highlanders Fall to UC Davis in Rubber Game, 3-1

(April 9, 2006) - The host UC Davis Aggies handed the visiting UC Riverside Highlanders a 3-1 defeat in a non-conference contest at La Rue Field in Davis Sunday. The Aggies took two-of-three in the series.

The Highlanders are now 21-13 overall, while UC Davis is now 12-23.

The Aggies' Lindsay Tognetti pitched a complete-game victory and struck out 10, as she improved to 5-8. Belinda Paine went 2-for-3 with an RBI.

The Highlanders scored first when Veronica Yee scored on a bases loaded wild pitch. The Aggies rallied in the fourth for three runs, with the tying run scoring on a throwing error. With one out, an infield single by Paine drove in Sarah O'Neill with the go-ahead run. Megan De La Hoya followed with another infield single to drive in Deanna Menapace to make it 3-1.

Tognetti allowed just one base runner over the next two innings before the Highlanders threatened in the top of the seventh. With the bases loaded and one out, Tognetti closed the door by striking out Yee and Jessica Black to end the game.

Highlanders Fall to Tigers in Rainy Game 1; Second Game Postponed

(April 14, 2006) - The UC Riverside Highlanders (21-14, 1-3) dropped the first game of a scheduled doubleheader to the visiting Pacific Tigers (22-15, 1-3), 4-3, at Amy S. Harrison Field Friday.

The second game was postponed in a scoreless tie in the bottom of the second inning.

Going into the seventh inning in a 3-3 tie, the Tigers managed to manufacture a run—a common theme in the game as they only managed three hits on the day—as starting with third baseman Crystal Presson's led off with a double. Presson was then pitch run for by Lauren Sandelin, who moved to third base on catcher Mandy Hickman's sacrifice bunt. Sandelin then scored the winning run when centerfielder Gina Carbonatto hit a groundball to second base.

In a game marred by frequent rain, including a 23-minute rain delay in the bottom of the fourth inning, both teams struggled to find much offensive consistency. This sloppiness carried over to the pitching as well, as there were five wild pitches in the game—including four by Tiger starting pitcher Chelsea Engle. Rattled by the rain, Engle was replaced by Kristen Allen midway through an at-bat in the fourth inning. Allen only gave up one run in her 3.1 innings pitched and improved to 3-4 on the season.

Pacific got off to an early lead by scoring one run in the first inning, as Carbonatto led off the game with a walk and then later scored on a wild pitch by Highlander starting pitcher Stephanie Marshall (13-6). The Highlanders rallied back in the bottom of the inning when centerfielder Jaime Yee hit a leadoff double. Yee moved over to third base on a sacrifice bunt by right fielder April Murray, and then later scored on a wild pitch by Engle.

Pacific scored a single run in the fourth inning, but the Highlanders answered back in the bottom of the inning as junior first baseman Jenny Thompson singled home sophomore shortstop Kristie Martinez, who had led off the inning with a walk.

In the fifth inning, Tiger pinch hitter Lindsey Garehime hit the game's only home run on a blast to left center for a 3-2 lead. But again the Highlanders answered back as sophomore catcher Cassie Greenawalt doubled home Martinez to tie the score at 3.

Highlanders Drop Tough Doubleheader to Tigers, 3-1 & 8-7

(April 15, 2006) - The University of the Pacific Tigers had to work overtime to sweep an unconventional Big West doubleheader at Amy S. Harrison Field Saturday. The Tigers won the continuation of Friday's rain-delayed second game, 3-1, then went extra innings to hold off a tremendous come back by the Highlanders to post an 8-7 win in eight innings in the regularly scheduled game.

The Highlanders fell to 21-16, 1-5 and the Tigers improved to 24-15, 5-1.

The day opened with the continuation of the second game of Friday's doubleheader that was postponed by rain in the bottom of the second inning. The Highlanders opened the scoring in the third inning when right fielder April Murray led off with a single, was sacrificed to second and came around on an RBI single by catcher Cassie Greenawalt to give UCR a 1-0 lead.

The Tigers tied things up in the top of the sixth when center fielder Gina Carbonatto stroked a one out single, then came around on a line drive double to left by first baseman Jennifer Curtier. UOP took the lead in the next inning as shortstop Lizzie Hagen led off with a single, was sacrificed to second and scored on a RBI single by third baseman Crystal Presson for a 2-1 lead.

One out later the Tigers took advantage of some sloppy play by the Highlanders, as Carbanatto walked and the return throw from Greenawalt got away from UCR starter Sara Radabaugh, rolling towards second base. The error allowed pinch runner Lauren Sandelin to come around from second for a 3-1 UOP lead.

UCR put together a rally in the bottom of the seventh as pinch hitter Jessica Black singled, and one out later Murray slapped another single through the right side. shortstop Kristie Martinez then walked to load the bases, forcing UOP Coach Brian Kolze to pull starting pitcher Alyce Jorgensen in favor of reliever Kristen Allen. Allen induced Greenawalt into a groundout that forced pinch runner Hailey Marshall at the plat, then first baseman Jennifer Thompson lined a shot up the middle that went off of Allen's glove, but straight to the second baseman for a force out at second to end the game.

Radabaugh took the loss (2-6), allowing three runs, two earned, and six hits in seven innings of work. Jorgensen improved to 4-3 and Allen recorded her fourth save of the season.

Game two started off poorly for the Highlanders as the Tigers batted around in the first inning, scoring seven times on six hits, all singles, and a pair of Highlander errors. UCR starter Stephanie Marshall surrendered six of the runs while recording just one out before being relieved by sophomore Christin Songer.

But UCR came right back in the bottom of the inning, getting a leadoff double by center fielder Jamie Yee and a walk by Murray. Martinez then hit a towering shot into the wind that cleared the right field wall for her fourth homer of the season to cut the margin to 7-3.

The Highlanders cut the margin to 7-5 with a pair of runs in the second inning. Left fielder Krystal Marquez led off with a single and second baseman Hailey Marshall reached on a fielder's choice when third baseman Crystal Presson's throw sailed into the outfield. Following a Yee sacrifice, Murray singled to cut the score to 7-4, forcing Kolze to again go to Allen out of the pen. But Martinez got to Allen for a line drive single to right field to make it 7-5.

And UCR would score again in the bottom of the third as freshman third baseman Katie Curtis led off the inning with a towering homer to left field to cut the margin to 7-6.

The Highlanders' bats were held quiet until the seventh inning, when Thompson provided the drama with a one-out game tying homer to straight away center field that tied the game at 7-7. The homer was Thompson's first of the season.

But the Tigers, whose bats had been held largely silent by Songer since the first, tallied the go-ahead run in the top of the eighth as Jennifer Curtier doubled with one out and scored on a single by Lauren Weyman. UCR got the leadoff batter on in the bottom of the inning on a single by Marquez, but could not get anyone closer than second as Allen buckled down to finish the game.

Allen improved to 4-4 with 6.2 innings of relief, allowing two runs and eight hits. Songer was the hard luck loser (6-4), with 7-2 innings of relief in which she allowed 10 hits and just one earned run while walking two and striking out seven.

Highlanders Split Doubleheader With LBSU

(April 22, 2006) - The UC Riverside Highlanders softball team split a Big West Conference doubleheader with host Long Beach State Saturday at the 49er Softball Complex, losing game one 2-1 in 10 innings, but coming back for a 3-1 win in game two.

Long Beach State is 22-18, 7-4 in the Big West, while UC Riverside is 22-17, 2-6 in the Big West.

The Highlanders scored first in the opener when shortstop Kristie Martinez's RBI double plated right fielder April Murray to give UCR a 1-0 lead. Long Beach State came right back in the bottom of the third when Michelle Turner's single scored Jessica Beaver, who had walked to even the score at 1-1.

Neither team would score until the bottom of the 10th inning. Beaver led off the frame with a single and then was advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt from Turner. Beaver then moved to third base after Jonae Perez grounded out. After Lacy Tyler was walked, Ashley Weber singled up the middle to score Beaver and give LBSU a 2-1 win. Freshman starter Stephanie Marshall fell to 13-7 with the loss. She pitched 9.2 innings, allowing six hits and two earned runs.

In the nightcap, UCR scored once in the second on an RBI single by designated player Danira Iolamo and twice in the third on an RBI double by catcher Cassie Greenawalt and an RBI single by first baseman Jennifer Thompson to take a 3-0 lead. LBSU got a single unearned run in the fourth inning, but sophomore starter Christin Songer was up to the task, earning the complete game win as she allowed just four hits. She improved to 7-4 on the season. LBSU starter Jennifer Martinez took the loss, allowing three runs and five hits in 2.1 innings.

Highlanders Fall to LBSU in Bottom of the Seventh

(April 23, 2006) - The visiting UC Riverside Highlanders dropped a 4-3 decision to the host Long Beach State 49ers at the 49er Softball Complex Sunday.

Long Beach State is 23-18, 8-4 in the Big West, while UC Riverside is 22-18, 2-7 in the Big West.

The 49ers won the game in their final at bat in the bottom of the seventh, as Breezy Goad slapped an RBI single that scored Tiffanie Wendell to give the 49ers the win.

Michelle Turner won the game for the 49ers, improving to 20-9. She walked three and struck out nine, allowing six hits and two earned runs in seven innings of work. Freshman Stephanie Marshall took the loss in relief, allowing three hits and two earned runs in 3.2 innings of work. She walked four and struck out one.

UCR scored an unearned run in the first inning when centerfielder Jamie Yee reached on an error and came around on an RBI single by catcher Cassie Greenawalt.

Long Beach State took the lead back in the bottom of the third with a pair of runs off of UCR starter Sara Radabaugh, then added a third run in the fifth inning.

The Highlanders clawed back in the top of the sixth inning after a pair of RBI singles from Greenawalt and first baseman Jennifer Thompson to tie the score at 3-3.

Highlanders Drop Doubleheader to Matadors

(April 29, 2006) - The UC Riverside Highlanders dropped a pair of games to the visiting Cal State Northridge Matadors, 9-5 and 8-6 in a Big West doubleheader at Amy S. Harrison Field in Riverside Saturday.

UCR is now 22-20 overall and 2-9 in the Big West. Cal State Northridge is 16-19 overall and 5-9 in the Big West.

In game one, each team scored a pair of runs in the first inning, with UCR's tallies coming on RBI singles by sophomore shortstop Kristie Martinez and junior first baseman Jennifer Thompson. The Highlanders took a 5-2 lead in the bottom of the second when Martinez singled in a pair of runs and sophomore catcher Cassie Greenawalt followed with an RBI single.

The Matadors came back to score two runs in the fifth to cut the margin to 5-4, then took advantage of some Highlander charity in the top of the sixth, scoring five times on just two hits and five walks to take a 9-5 lead. UCR loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the sixth, but were unable to score.

UCR freshman starter Stephanie Marshall took the loss, allowing 10 hits, nine earned runs, seven walks and eight strikeouts. Junior Sara Radabaugh was also touched in the sixth, coming in relief of Marshall and allowing two bases loaded walks before exiting. Marshall returned to the game, recorded the final two outs and then finished the game.

Northridge again opened the scoring in game two with a single run in the top of the first, but UCR got a pair of runs in the bottom of the inning as senior centerfielder Jamie Yee and sophomore right fielder April Murray walked to lead off the game, then came around on a two-run double by senior third baseman Melissa Sanchez for a 2-1 UCR lead.

The Matadors took the lead back in the top of the third as Amanda Peek cracked a two-run homer off of UCR starter Danira Iolamo for a 3-2 advantage, and the Matadors added two more unearned runs for a 5-2 lead. UCR answered back with a single run in the third on an RBI double by Thompson that scored Sanchez to make the score 5-3.

The Matadors scored two more times in the fourth inning, chasing sophomore starter Danira Iolamo, who was making her first pitching appearance of the year.

UCR scored in the bottom of the fifth as Sanchez stroked an RBI single to make it 8-4. UCR then loaded the bases and Black stroked a double to score a pair of runs and cut the margin down to 8-6. But UCR could get no closer.

Iolamo took the loss (0-1), allowing eight hits, seven runs, four earned. CSUN starter Sam Schroeder improved top 8-8, with 4.2 innings of work allowing six earned runs. Salazar recorded the save, her second.

Matadors Defeat Highlanders, 9-1, Sweep Series

(April 30, 2006) - The Cal State Northridge Matadors used a six run third inning and a three run fourth to help propel them to a 9-1 win over the host UC Riverside Highlanders in a Big West doubleheader at Amy S. Harrison Field in Riverside Sunday.

UCR is now 22-21 overall and 2-10 in the Big West. Cal State Northridge is 17-19 overall and 6-9 in the Big West.

The Matadors broke the game open in the third when, with one out, they put together five straight hits - three singles and two doubles -, a walk, followed by another double to jump into a 6-0 lead.

UCR scored a single run in the bottom of the third as second baseman Hailey Marshall walked, went to third on a single by center fielder Jamie Yee, then came home on an RBI ground out by right fielder April Murray.

Northridge added three runs in the fourth to build the margin to eight at 9-1. In the bottom of the fifth, UCR got singles by Yee and Murray. Third baseman Melissa Sanchez followed with a groundball that struck Murray as she went to second. Sanchez was credited with a single, but Murray was out for the second out of the inning. Shortstop Kristie Martinez followed with an infield single to load the bases, but Cassie Greenawalt was retired on an outstanding play by Matador shortstop Amanda Heep on a pop-up in foul territory. The game ended via the mercy rule at the end of the fifth inning.

Christin Songer (7-5) took the loss, surrendering eight hits and six earned runs in 2.1 innings of work. Reliever Stephanie Marshall was touched for three runs, one earned, on four hits in 2.2 innings. Selena Salazar improved to 9-11 for the Matadors.

Gauchos No Slouchos, Sweep Doubleheader Behind Davis

(May 6, 2006) - The UC Santa Barbara Gauchos got a pair of strong pitching performances by starter Jennifer Davis, helping them to sweep the host UC Riverside Highlanders, 4-0 and 2-1 in a Big West doubleheader at Amy S. Harrison Field in Riverside Saturday.

UCR is now 22-23 overall and 2-12 in the Big West. UCSB improved to 22-19 overall and 6-8 in the Big West.

In game one, the Gauchos got on the board first, scoring in the fifth inning as first baseman Tiffany Wright slugged her sixth homer of the season over the wall in left field to give UCSB a 1-0 lead.

The Gauchos added three unearned runs in the sixth inning as UCR opened the frame with three consecutive errors, a walk, and then a fourth error. Designated player Danielle Meyers' RBI single drove in a pair to give the Gauchos a 4-0 lead.

That was more than enough for Davis, who allowed just four hits and walked three while striking out 11 as she improved to 15-13 with the complete-game win. UCR starter Stephanie Marshall allowed six hits and two walks, and just one earned run, striking out four. She fell to 13-10 on the season.

The Gauchos scored first in the second game as Jessica Hejna came around on a first-inning RBI double by catcher Ericka Hansen. UCSB scored a second run in the top of the fifth inning when centerfielder Kendra Singley singled, stole second and came home on an RBI single by shortstop Brittany Putich.

UCR got it's lone run - and lone hit - in the sixth inning when shortstop Kristie Martinez hammered her fifth home run of the season over the right-center field wall to cut the lead to 2-1. But that was all Davis would allow, as she walked five and struck out seven in the win, improving to 16-13. Christin Songer (7-6) took the loss, allowing nine hits, four walks and two earned runs while striking out three in seven innings of work.

UCR had a couple of scoring opportunities and several hard hit balls that fell just short of hits, including a pair of warning track shots by third baseman Melissa Sanchez. In the fifth inning, center fielder Jamie Yee's hard hit grounder with runners on second and third was speared by third baseman Shelby Hensler for the third out of the inning.

Gauchos Survive Late Highlander Rally, Win in 8th

(May 7, 2006) - The UC Santa Barbara Gauchos won the third and final game of their series against the host UC Riverside Highlanders, 2-1 in 8 innings, behind yet another strong outing by starting pitcher Jennifer Davis (17-13) at Amy S. Harrison Field on Sunday. The win leaves UC Santa Barbara with an overall record of 23-18 and 6-8 in the Big West. UC Riverside falls to 22-24 overall and a 2-13 record in the Big West.

In what turned out to be a great pitching duel between Davis and Highlander starting pitcher Stephanie Marshall (13-11), the Gauchos opened the scoring in the fourth inning as left fielder Jessica Hejna led off with a walk. Later in the inning, shortstop Brittany Putich singled to right field, moving Hejna over to second base. The next batter, catcher Ericka Hansen, then hit a smash to third baseman Melissa Sanchez who stepped on third base, but her throw sailed past the first baseman, letting Putich score from first.

That lone run held up for the Gauchos until the bottom of the seventh inning. With two outs already recorded, first baseman Jennifer Thompson hit a fly ball to right center, where the right fielder Nicole Churnock dropped the ball, allowing Thompson to get to second. Veronica Yee was then put into the game to pinch run for Thompson, and left fielder Jessica Black came up to the plate. Black crushed a pitch to deep center field that bounced off the wall, allowing Yee to score from second base.

In the eighth inning, UCSB led off with a single by the pitcher Davis. After Churnock grounded into a fielder‚s choice, second baseman Christine Ramos was hit by a pitch, putting two runners on base. With two outs, center fielder Kendra Singley singled, bringing home Churnock, who scored the eventual game-winning run.

Davis finished the game having pitched eight innings, giving up only three hits, one unearned run, and one walk, while striking out 12 batters. For the Highlanders, Marshall pitched almost as well, going eight innings, allowing five hits, two runs (one earned), four walks, and striking out six.

Today‚s game was the last home game of the year for the Highlanders, and UCR held a pre-game ceremony commemorating the team‚s four graduating seniors: Angela Loa, Jessica Black, Jamie Yee, and Melissa Sanchez.

Titans Sweep Doubleheader

(May 12, 2006) - The Cal State Fullerton Titans (35-22, 13-4) took both games of their Friday night doubleheader over the visting UC Riverside Highlanders (22-26, 2-15) at Anderson Family Field in Fullerton. The Titans won 5-0 in the first game and 3-2 in the second game.

In the first game of their doubleheader, the game was scoreless until the bottom of the third, when Titan shortstop Candice Baker led the inning off with a walk. Second baseman Amanda Kamekona then attempted a sacrifice bunt but reached on an error by the first baseman Jennifer Thompson. With two runners on, first baseman Katie Gollhardt smashed a home run to left field, giving the Titans a three-run lead. Later in the same inning, catcher Ashlee Weatherford singled home designated player Kiki Munoz and third baseman Crystal Vieyra to settle the score at 5-0.

The Highlanders led off the first, second, third and fifth innings by having runners reach base. However, they struggled to move them into scoring position due to the outstanding pitching of starter Marissa Marzan (11-9).

Marzan went six innings, giving up three hits, walking one, and striking out five batters. Highlander starter Stephanie Marshall (13-12) pitched the first three innings of the game, giving up five runs, two earned, on five hits. Danira Iolamo relieved Marshall, allowing only one hit over her three innings pitched. Titan reliever Brooke Weekley finished the game off, pitching a perfect seventh inning with one strike out.

In the second game, the teams went scoreless until the the fourth inning. In the top half of the inning, third baseman Melissa Sanchez smashed a home run to dead centerfield, giving the Highlanders a 1-0 lead.

In the bottom half of the inning, left fielder Ashley Van Boxmeer grounded a ball back to UCR pitcher Christin Songer (7-7) but reached base when Songer bobbled the ball. Designated player Kiki Munoz singled to left field, putting two runners on base. Following that, third baseman Crystal Vieyra hit a three-run home run to left field, giving the Titans a two-run lead and making the score 3-1.

The Highlanders put together a rally in the sixth inning, as Sanchez led off with a walk and moved over to second as shortstop Kristie Martinez singled to center. Roni Yee entered the game as a pinch runner for Sanchez, and first baseman Jennifer Thompson walked to load the bases. Left fielder Jessica Black singled home a run to make the game 3-2, but that would be the only run the Highlanders would get.

Songer pitched six innings, giving up three unearned runs, three hits, walking one and striking out four. Titan pitcher Candice Baker (21-9) pitched five innings, allowing four hits, one earned run, while striking out 11 batters. Marzan pitched two innings for her first save of the season, giving up one run and two hits.

Fullerton Tops Highlanders in Season Finale, 6-1

(May 13, 2006) - The Cal State Fullerton Titans defeated the visiting UC Riverside Highlanders, 6-1, in the regular season finale for both teams at Anderson Family Field in Fullerton Saturday. The Titans improve to 36-22, 14-4 overall, while the Highlanders finish at 22-27 and 2-16.

Titan starter Marissa Marzan improved to 12-8 as she struck out four and stranded nine in her complete game effort. Sophomore Danira Iolamo took the loss for the Highlanders, allowing four runs, three earned on six hits in 4.1 innings. Sophomore Christin Songer threw 1.2 innings of relief, allowing a run.

The Highlanders scored first as sophomore right fielder April Murray led off with a single and moved to second when she beat out the throw on center fielder Jamie Yee's sacrifice. After a walk to senior third baseman Melissa Sanchez to load the bases, sophomore shortstop Kristie Martinez lifted a deep fly to right, enough to score Murray from third for the 1-0 lead.

The Titans came back in the bottom of the second to tie the game with an unearned run, then took the lead for good in the fifth with three runs.

UCR Softball's Jennifer Thompson Named to District VIII Academic All-District Second Team

(May 15, 2006) - UC Riverside junior first baseman Jennifer Thompson has been named to the ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District Softball Second Team, as selected by the members of the Collegiate Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).

Thompson, a native of Riverside, has a 3.50 GPA as a history major. On the field, she finished the season with a .275 batting average with five doubles, a homer and 25 runs batted in. She had a .983 fielding percentage at first base for UCR and appeared in and started all but one of the team's 49 games this season.

"This is a great accomplishment for Jennifer, and we are very proud of her," Coach Connie Miner said. "She has really bought into what we are trying to do here both on the field and in the classroom."

She is one of just three players from the Big West Conference to earn the honor, as University of the Pacific players Jennifer Curtier and Gina Carbonatto each earned first team honors.

UCR Has Four Named to All-Big West Teams

(May 16, 2006) - Four members of the UC Riverside Women's Softball team were named to the Big West All-Conference Team Tuesday.

Senior third baseman Melissa Sanchez (Rosemead, CA/Rosemead HS) was named to the first team, while sophomore catcher Cassie Greenawalt (Elk Grove, CA/Cosumnes River JC) and freshman pitcher Stephanie Marshall (Concord, CA/College Park HS) earned second team honors. Rounding out the recognition was sophomore shortstop Kristie Martinez (Sacramento, CA/Christian Brothers HS), who was named honorable mention.

Sanchez led the Highlanders and the conference with a .435 batting average and had a .774 slugging percentage and a .577 on base percentage. She scored 28 runs and had 30 RBI and walked 36 times. Her 10 homers were fourth in the conference and she leaves UCR as the school's all-time home run leader. She missed three games in conference play with a separated shoulder, but came back strong, playing outstanding defense at the hot corner.

"Melissa had an outstanding year, especially when you consider her coming back from the injury. She deserves this recognition and has had an outstanding career here. She has had a lot to do with how we have moved forward with the program," Head Coach Connie Miner said.

Greenawalt, who transferred to UCR and took over the starting catching chores, hit .276 on the season with 23 RBI. She showed a strong arm behind the plate, gunning down 20 of the 68 runners who attempted to steal on her. She appeared in all 49 games, catching 48.

"Cassie was durable and really stepped up when Melissa went down," Miner said. "She did a great job offensively and defensively. She is a big reason why our pitching staff had a tremendous turn around as well as a leader on the field and behind the plate."

Stephanie Marshall, a true freshman, took over the No. 1 pitcher duties and became the first player in DI history to reach 13 wins. She was 13-12 overall with 13 complete games and three shutouts. She struck out 104 batters, fourth in the conference, and opposing hitters hit just .234 against her.

"I had hoped she would be freshman pitcher of the year," Miner said. "As it is, for a freshman to make second team is a great honor. She is a tough kid and we are looking forward to great things in the future from her."

UCR Softball's Melissa Sanchez Named to 2006 Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-West Region Team

(May 18, 2006) - UC Riverside senior third baseman Melissa Sanchez has been named to the 2006 Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-West Region Team by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA), it was announced Thursday.

The team is chosen by NFCA member coaches from each region, and the honorees will now be eligible for selection to the Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-America first, second or third teams. A total of 237 players from 116 teams in nine regions make up the teams.

Sanchez led the Highlanders and the conference with a .435 batting average, the 12th best average in the nation in games through May 14. She had a .774 slugging percentage, 18th in the nation, and a .577 on base percentage. She scored 28 runs, had 30 RBI and walked 36 times, giving her a walks-per-game average of 0.82, fourth in the nation. Her 10 homers were fourth in the conference and she leaves UCR as the school's all-time home run leader with 26. She missed three games in conference play with a separated shoulder, but came back strong, playing outstanding defense at the hot corner.

"We are absolutely thrilled for Melissa. What can you say about her career here that hasn't already been said?" Head Coach Connie Miner said. "I am very hopeful that she will receive All-America recognition."

Sanchez received All-Big West First Team honors on Tuesday.

Martinez, who was coming off of her second ACL reconstruction on her left knee, also played all 49 games at shortstop, leading the conference with 43 runs batted in. She hit .298 overall with 27 runs scored, a team-high 10 doubles and five RBI. She also was hit by a pitch a remarkable 13 times. Martinez was 7-for-8 with the bases loaded this season.

"Kristie did a great job hitting behind Mel and in Mel's absence. She played a really solid shortstop and was a physical and emotional leader for us. I am a little disappointed that she didn't get second team honors."

The Highlanders finished 22-27 overall, the most wins of the Division I era.

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