RIVERSIDE, Calif. — The Fresno State softball team opened the 2023 season with a 9-4 win over Montana at the Lynn Miller Classic on Friday afternoon.
The Bulldogs logged nine hits in the victory. Keahilele Mattson led Fresno State at the plate, blasting the first home run of the season. The junior also recorded a single, drew two walks and was hit by pitch to record a perfect on-base percentage in the opener. Senior Alesia Denby also recorded a multi-hit game with two singles and two RBIs.
Three 'Dogs saw time in the circle. Freshman Serayah Neiss chalked her first collegiate start and win. Neiss threw 4.1 innings with two strikeouts. Bailey Doherty and Taylor Gilmore secured the win down the stretch. The pitching staff only walked one batter.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Mattson opened her 2023 season with a two-run home run in the first inning to give the Bulldogs an early lead. The Grizzlies cut the lead in half with a run in the bottom of the frame.
Fresno State added a run in the fourth and fifth innings to extend the lead to 4-1. Montana struck back by plating two runs in the bottom of the fifth, making it a one-score game.
The Bulldogs' offense exploded in the final two innings of the contest, tallying five runs. The Grizzlies added one more run, but the 'Dogs would take the victory 9-4.
GAME NOTES:
Fresno State scored nine or more runs five times in 2022.
Fresno State drew 11 walks in the contest.
Bella Rocco, Kennedy Bunker, Emma Martinez and Serayah Neiss recorded their first starts as Bulldogs.
Shaunessy Cardwell, Alyssa Rebolledo and Bella Rocco recorded their first career hits.
Bailey Doherty and Taylor Gilmore made their first appearances in the circle for Fresno State.
WHAT'S NEXT
Fresno State will face Montana at 9 a.m. tomorrow before finishing the second day of tournament against Middle Tennessee State at 11:30 a.m.