STOCKTON, Calif- Senior Ashley Britton smashed her sixth home run of the season, but it would be the only offense Sonoma State could muster while Cal State Dominguez Hills powered in nine runs to defeat the Seawolves 9-1 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Championship Softball Tournament opener on Friday afternoon at Arnaiz Stadium in Stockton. With the loss, Sonoma State falls to 38-16 overall and will face Cal State Monterey Bay on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. in a loser-out game.

After three hitless innings by both squads, Cal State Dominguez Hills broke through in the top of the fourth after Seawolf starting pitcher Samantha Lipperd retired the first two Toro batters. After a walk to Rose Vargas and a single to Michelle Miranda, Krista Gould sent a deep shot to left center field, giving CSUDH the 3-0 lead.

A half inning later, Britton got a run back with a solo shot to deep center field. It would prove to be the only Seawolf run of the day, however.

In the top of the fifth, Amber Angel brought home two runs with a double to right field. Then, in the top of the sixth, Katie Jordan flied out to left field with a runner on third, converting the sacrifice fly. The Toros added two more runs in the seventh, giving Cal State Dominguez Hills the 9-1 victory in the tournament opener.

Lipperd went the distance, giving up seven hits, nine runs (eight earned) with five walks and six strikeouts. The Seawolves only had four hits, one of which came off the bat of Britton –the home run in the fourth. Simone Brandalise, Ali Palermo and Brittany Martinez added a hit as well.

For Cal State Dominguez Hills, Angel and Miranda had two hits. Angel led all players with four RBI and a run scored. Gould had three RBI and two runs scored.

Sonoma State will face No. 1 seed Cal State Monterey Bay at 4:30 p.m. in Stockton after No. 4 seed Chico State defeated the Otters 5-0 on Friday evening.

Box Score: Cal State Dominguez Hills 9, #19 Sonoma State 1