The Sacramento State Hornets softball team opened up Pacific Coast Softball Conference play by taking three out of four games against Saint Mary’s in Moraga, Calif.

Playing back-to-back doubleheaders over the weekend, the Hornets took the first game of the series 2-0.

Starting pitcher Kayla Meeks only went two and a third innings, allowing one hit and three walks. Brittani Clifford came on in relief to pitch the remainder of the game, allowing only two hits while striking out seven, on her way to her seventh win of the season.

Center fielder Hilary Johnson was the only player for the Hornets who tallied multiple hits in the game, both of which were singles, and was responsible for one of the team’s runs.

In the second game of the series the Gaels evened their record against the Hornets by winning in extra innings 4-3.

Megan Schaefer got the start for the Hornets but left the game in the fourth inning with the lead, making way for Clifford to enter and provide relief. Leading 2-0, the Hornets were not able to hold on as Saint Mary’s tagged Clifford for three runs on its way to the team’s 14th overall win.

The Hornets left 10 girls on the base in comparison to only five left on by the Gaels.

Izmena Cabrera, the Hornets’ left fielder, led the way, going 2-for-3 at the plate with a run batted in. Shortstop Amy Tompkins went 2-for-5 at the plate with a triple and an RBI.

In the final day of the series the Hornets were the home team, but the games were still played at Cottrell Field in Moraga. In the third game of the series it was an offensive struggle for both teams, but the Hornets bested the Gaels 1-0.

Meeks got her second start of the series, pitching a complete-game shutout. Facing only three batters above the minimum, Meeks allowed only five hits and struck out five.

The bottom of the fourth inning sealed the fate of the Gaels, as Meeks helped herself out by driving in the only run of the game.

The series finale proved to be much of the same for the Gaels in not being able to score runs: The Hornets again shut out Saint Mary’s, this time 6-0.

Melissa Cross, the designated player for the Hornets, provided the offensive spark for the green and gold. Cross finished the game with three RBIs while going 2-for-3 at the plate.

Molly Bergerson got the nod as starting pitcher for the Gaels, only to last four innings before being pulled after allowing four runs and striking out one. Teammate Maryanne Cronin pitched the remainder of the game, allowing two more runs on three hits.

With the win the Hornets improved to 21-14 overall and 3-1 in the PCSC.

Sacramento State returns to action at noon on Saturday with a doubleheader against conference foe Portland State at home.

Jose Martinez can be reached at [email protected]