The Hornets were swept in their three game series at 18th ranked Pacific last weekend. With their latest loss, the Hornets (16-30) have fallen further below the .500 mark than they have ever been since entering Division I play in 1990.

The hits came few and far between for the Hornets as they collected just eight of them in the three game series. The hitting slump has plagued the team throughout the season and in particular the last 11 games, which they have lost nine of.

In the first game, the Hornets were shut out, 1-0. Sophomore Jillian Bivert?s scoreless innings streak ended at 20 as Cindy Ball?s RBI single in the 7th inning accounted for the only run of the game.

Bivert was excellent in defeat as her coach gave her a glowing report.

“Jillian did a tremendous job but we did not step up in key situations or step up with any big hits,” pitching coach Debbie Bilbao said. “Bivert is now 6-11 on the season.”

The Hornets got good enough pitching in two of the three games to keep the game close and put themselves in a position to win.

The difference of the series, though, was Ball, whom Bilbao considers an All-American candidate this year, for her expertise on the mound and at the plate.

“She plays a key role and has just been outstanding this season,” Bilbao said.

In Saturday?s second game, the Hornets were shut out again, this time 5-0. The Hornets could muster only one hit, off the bat of Roni Rodrigues. Freshman Nicole Deatherage took the loss and is now 7-13 on the season. She allowed four hits and five earned runs in six innings of action.

Sac State finally got on the board in the third game when Andrea Becker hit a two-run home run. The blast was the first long ball of her career.

Bivert lost her second game in a row. The bats of the Tigers were red hot in this game as all but two of the Tigers? starting position players had hits.

“They are really hitting the ball and that provides their pitching staff with a lot of confidence,” Bilbao said.

The season overall has been a learning experience for the Hornets, especially for their pitching staff, which has often excelled in defeat.

“We?ve had some tough times but I told them that they have been growing in more ways they can imagine this season,” Bilbao said. “We have a great group of kids and sometimes you need to hit a low point, before we?re back on top,”

Bilbao also pointed out the performances of a number of players, such as Cathy Coupar and Lori Meixner. She called them leaders that have helped keep the team?s morale high through the tough times.

The Hornets will look to rebound against Cal Poly at home this Saturday. The first pitch of the scheduled doubleheader is set for noon Saturday. They also will play at Shea Stadium at noon on Sunday.