CARSON, Calif- Sonoma State flexed its muscles on Friday, blasting two home runs in each of the two games, including a three-run home run by Rochelle Vanyi in game two to sweep Cal State Dominguez Hills, 4-3 and 11-4, in the California Collegiate Athletic Association opener for the Seawolves. Sonoma State improves to 6-2 overall and 2-0 in conference play. The Toros fall to 6-3 (3-3 CCAA).

In the opener, Cal State Dominguez Hills got off to a quick start against the reigning CCAA Pitcher of the Week, Samantha Lipperd, scoring two runs in the first three innings. Sonoma State would bounce right back, however, as LeeAnn Stroud reached on an infield single in the top of the fifth, then scored when Brittanie Verissimo homered down the left field line to knot the score at two.

The Toros would take the lead again in the bottom of the sixth on a RBI single by Jessica Marlow. The Seawolves wouldn't go down without a fight. After an infield single by Brittany Martinez and three consecutive walks, Danielle Lowe, who pinch ran for Martinez, came around to score to tie the score up at three.

Lipperd (4-0) showed why she was honored by the conference, forcing two quick outs before allowing an infield single. However, Skylynn Myers threw out Caitlyn McGrath trying to steal second base, to force extra innings.

In the eighth, Ali Palermo came on to pinch hit and blasted a shot beyond the left field wall for the go-ahead run and the 4-3 lead. One last chance for the Toros in the bottom of the inning, but Lipperd shut CSUDH down as Sonoma State earned its CCAA-opening victory.

B. Martinez and Verissimo had two hits to pace the Seawolves as Lipperd went the distance, scattering 10 hits and giving up just three runs while striking out five.

In the nightcap, Sonoma State scored three runs in the second inning and three runs in the third to jump out to a comfortable 6-0 lead, including a three-run home run by Vanyi.

J. Martinez also went the distance, giving up another 10 hits and four runs, three earned. Stroud had a huge game at the plate, finishing 4-for-4 with two runs scored and a RBI. Vanyi went 2-for-3 with three runs scored and three RBI.

Sonoma State will return to the diamond on Saturday in another doubleheader with Cal State Dominguez Hills, beginning at 11 a.m.

Box Scores
Sonoma State 4, Cal State Dominguez Hills 3 (8 innings)
Sonoma State 11, Cal State Dominguez Hills 4