March 12, 2012
Box Score
Los Angeles, Calif. --
The seventh batter in the lineup proved to be the most dangerous today for Utah State pitcher Shelbi Tyteca. Looking back at her was junior left fielder Skylar Segura who went 3 for 3 with two doubles and one triple, leading the Lions to a 5-1 victory over the Utah State Aggies, Monday at Smith Field.
The Lion's top of the order did their job right away as both Danielle Smith and Sterling Shuster recorded singles to get on base in the top of the first inning. After a groundball to third base put Sam Fischer on first, Smith did her best to slide into third base before the out could be made. Smith was safe at third, but not too safe as she left the game immediately with an injury. With no outs and the bases loaded, senior Kelly Sarginson singled to center field driving in Leilani Montalvo, who was pinch running for Smith.
With two outs and the bases loaded in the first inning, Skylar Segura drove in all three runners with a hard hit double to left center, giving the Lions a commanding 4-0 lead after one inning.
Defense was an essential aspect of the win. In the top of the second inning, Kelley Kaneshiro head a long lead off single hit deep into the center field wall. As she was on her way to second, center fielder Kylie Ahlo threw a rocket of a throw to Fischer at shortstop to tag Kaneshiro out at second. Fischer continued strong later in the inning. With two outs, she backhanded a hard line drive to shortstop to make the play to Sarginson, getting the out at first and ending the inning before the Aggies could get into a groove.
With solid fielding came solid pitching from RHP Molly Medeiros (13-4) who threw her 13th win going seven innings, striking out five and walking only two. Medeiros currently holds an ERA of 1.65 with 50 strikeouts this season.
The Lions were able to drive in one more run in the bottom of the third as Segura stepped up to the plate for the second time, this time driving a triple to center field, bring home Pereda from first base, giving the Lions a 5-1 lead.
This was Segura's first career triple as a Lion. She was not done yet. In the bottom of the sixth, Segura continued to be a threat as she slammed a lead off double to right field, her seventh double of the season. Skylar now has seven doubles and one triple for her junior season, steadfastly improving her line last year of one double and zero triples.
The Lions are now 18-9 with a five game winning streak. They look to continue their success on Tuesday as the take on Notre Dame at home starting at 1:00pm. This game will be the centennial game for the Lions softball team, so make sure to come out and support!
--GO LIONS--
