Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

California State University at Bakersfield Athletics

Next Event

DarynHitzelWAC001
Western Athletic Conference
0
CSU Bakersfield CSUB 0-1
14
Winner UCLA UCLA 1-0
CSU Bakersfield CSUB
0-1
0
Final
14
UCLA UCLA
1-0
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 5 R H E
CSU Bakersfield CSUB 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1
UCLA UCLA 1 8 4 1 X 14 13 3

W: Faraimo, Megan (1-0) L: Hitzel, Daryn (0-1)

Game Recap: Softball |

`Runners Fall to Defending Champ UCLA

LOS ANGELES – The 2020 softball season kicked off Thursday night as CSU Bakersfield took on a tough challenge against No. 4 UCLA. The Bruins, who happen to be the reigning NCAA Champions, jumped out to an early lead and never looked back on their way to a 14-0 victory over the Roadrunners at the Stacy Winsberg Memorial Tournament.

"Although the scoreboard didn't show it, we played tough," said Crissy Buck-Ziegler, CSUB's ninth-year Head Coach. "Excitement was high tonight. We learned a lot and the girls' attitude is that of a group eager to keep growing."

In the bottom of the first inning, UCLA earned a walk and promptly hit a double to move the runner to a third base. A throwing error on the play allowed the Bruins to score as the defending National Champions took an early, 1-0 lead on CSUB. Junior pitcher Daryn Hitzel rebounded and got the `Runners out of the inning, but UCLA exploded for eight runs in the second inning.

After a four-run third inning and one more run in the fourth, UCLA had built its 14-0 lead. CSUB was unable to find an offensive rhythm against Megan Faraimo, the 2019 Pac-12 Freshman of the Year. Faraimo tallied 12 strikeouts in the five-inning victory.

Junior college transfer Candace Haliburton was the bright spot of the day for Bakersfield. The outfielder went 1-for-2 at the plate and was also hit by a pitch during her first plate appearance as a `Runner. Haliburton reached third base both times she got aboard and should prove to be a threat as CSUB's leadoff batter this season.

Hitzel (0-1) took the loss Thursday night after pitching one complete inning against No. 4 UCLA. Freshman Talia Nielsen threw the final three innings in the circle while making her collegiate debut.

The `Runners (0-1) will return to Easton Field on Friday to continue the tournament with a pair of games. CSUB is set to square off with San Diego at 11:30 a.m. before wrapping the day up with a contest against Pittsburgh immediately after the clash with USD.

~GoRunners.com~
Print Friendly Version
California State University at Bakersfield Athletics loading logo