ROHNERT PARK -- After playing the last 23 games away from home, the Sonoma State softball team returned to the friendly confines of the Seawolf Softball Field to sweep Friday's doubleheader with visiting Cal State Dominguez Hills by scores of 4-2 and 5-1, inching closer to securing the fourth and final spot in next weekend's CCAA Championship Tournament. 

The Seawolves (30-20-1, 22-15-1 CCAA) need just one win to clinch their fourth consecutive appearance in the conference tournament, and two wins to capture the No. 3 seed; they can do so on Senior Day Saturday against the Toros (15-36, 8-30 CCAA) in the final two games of the regular season for both teams.  First pitch is scheduled for 11:00 am.

Seven SSU seniors -- Ally Bryant, Carlie Daniel, Jena Kaser, Amanda Llerena, Olivia Lucchese, Mayleen Mazon and Aubrie Tolliver -- will also be honored in a special post-game ceremony, just moments after the final out of game two on Saturday.

Back to Friday's victories, Sonoma gave up a run in the top of the first inning, but rallied for three runs in the bottom of the third.  Kristine Ricossa singled home Lindsey Calcany Blair, Alee Balanon singled through the left side to score Ricossa, and Carlie Daniel had an RBI groundout scoring Alison Strycula for the 3-1 lead.

In the fifth, Jordann White ripped a single to left center, plating Balanon for the Seawolves' fourth run of the ballgame.

The Toros responded with a run in the sixth, but that would be all that SSU starter Amanda Llerena would allow the rest of the way.  Llerena (19-9) gave up just three hits and two runs (one earned), walking two and striking out eight. 

In the nightcap, CSUDH again got a run home in the top of the first inning when Brielle Vidmar hit Madison Murphy with the bases loaded.  However, it would be the only mistake Vidmar would make the rest of the way, en route to her eighth win of the year.  In fact, the freshman hurler allowed just one hit in the final six innings.

Identical to game one, the Seawolves again scored three runs in the bottom of the third.  Balanon brought home two runs on a single to right center before White doubled home Balanon for the 3-1 lead.

In the home half of the fourth with runners on the corners, Balanon hit an infield chopper that allowed Mazon to score from third on the play, putting Sonoma up 4-1.  Then, in the sixth, Daniel batted home Strycula for the fifth and final run of the game for SSU.

All told, Sarah Langley went 3 for 3 at the plate, and Strycula went 2 for 4 with three stolen bases and two runs scored.