Thanks to outstanding pitching and defense The Gators earned a split in their doubleheader against the No. 20 ranked UC San Diego Tritons Friday. With two games left in the four-game series this weekend, SF State has high hopes for the remaining games against the CCAA’s first place team.

Marisa Andrade (19) catches the ball before Mckenna Clewett (6) could reach the base, Friday, April 11. Photo by Erica Marquez / Special to Xpress

Starting pitcher Megan Clark pitched a complete game shutout over the Tritons in the first game, only allowing two hits in seven innings of work. Clark believes the ranking of her opponents don’t matter at all.

“I feel like we just came out there and played,” said Clark. “We also knew that it was anyone’s game.”

 SF State had another strong pitching effort by Jenny Obbema, who pitched a complete game in the finale allowing three runs and six hits. The Gator’s defense was on full display, especially when center fielder Jennifer Lewis ran towards the warning track to catch a dangerous fly ball in the top of the 7th.

Kelsey Murakami (13) swings her bat from a pitch from Alexis Edwards (18) during SF States home game. Friday, April 11. Photo by Erica Marquez / Special to Xpress

“When we know we are facing a team like this, it makes us more motivated to go out there and beat them,” said Obbema.

 However SF State did have some costly late game errors in the final game, that were directly responsible for two runs. The Gators had a total of three errors, compared to the Tritons who had no errors.

Although the Gators lost one against the Tritons, head coach Cristina Byrne feels like the team is on the right track.

Jennifer Lewis (7) congratulates fellow teammates during a game against UC San Diego, Friday April 11. Photo by Erica Marquez / Special to Xpress.

“We showed that we can play with the best in the conference,” said Byrne. “I expect to take two tomorrow.”

Gators will close out the four-game series against the Tritons on April 12 in another doubleheader.