In what amounted into two well-pitched games, the Sacramento State women?s softball team was victorious in the first game of its doubleheader, 1-0, while dropping the nightcap 2-1 to No. 19 ranked University of the Pacific Sunday afternoon at Shea Stadium.

Led by junior Jillian Bivert?s five-hit shutout, the Hornets moved to 12-18 overall and 1-4 in the Big West Conference.

Bivert pitched a masterpiece, striking out five and allowing just one runner past second base. The shutout was Bivert?s third of the season and was a huge reason why the Hornets were able to hold off the Tigers? in the first game.

In addition to her shutout, Bivert manufactured a two-out single to right field in the bottom of the sixth inning. Senior Meghan Cunningham then provided the offensive spark that the Hornets so desperately needed, lacing a two-out base hit to left-center field for an RBI-double.

Pacific threatened in the bottom of the seventh with a lead-off single by Aloha Yamaguchi. But the Tigers could not bring the tying run home as Yamaguchi was thrown out trying to steal second base. Bivert, who raised her record to 5-9 on the year, was 2-for-3 at the plate.

UOP pitcher Cindy Ball (12-7) put forth a valiant effort in the loss, giving up just four hits.

“Jillian was huge for us in game 1,” Hornet coach Kathy Strahan said.

“She affected the outcome of the game in every possible way that one person can affect a game. She scored the game-winning run on the offensive end and then allowed zero runs as our pitcher.”

Game 2 was slightly more eventful in the Tiger victory. Sac State got on the board first in the opening inning thanks to a Cunningham?s sacrifice fly to bring in center fielder Cathy Coupar. UOP then retaliated in the third inning, getting an RBI single from third baseman Brandy Thurman, scoring Yamaguchi.

UOP shut the door after Ball?s two-out RBI double ricocheted off the left field wall, allowing Michelle Anunciation to score the go-ahead run.Yolanda Estrada led off the seventh inning for the Hornets with a single, which turned out to be an exercise in futility. Ball went on to retire the three following Sac State batters to end the game for her second save of the year.

“These were two excellently pitched games,” Strahan said. “Unfortunately, we weren?t able to capitalize on winning the second game, but when the pitching is as good as it has been (Sunday), the difference between winning and losing almost certainly comes down to whoever makes the first mistake on the mound.”

Bivert was named Big West Conference Softball Pitcher of the Week for Sunday?s Game 1 performance. Bivert?s victory snapped UOPs nine-game winning streak.

Bivert bears an impressive 2.23 ERA. The junior is also batting a robust .366 ? including eight hits in her last 13 at bats ? which tops the Big West Conference.

Sac State will have one more shot at UOP, as the two will meet on April 18 at Shea Stadium. The three-game series was originally slated to begin on Saturday, but the matches were postponed due to rain.

The Hornets will next face California State Northridge University on the road on Friday and Saturday.

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