The Sacramento State softball team swept a four-game series from conference-rival Loyola Marymount University over the weekend at Smith Field.

However, it was not enough to win the Pacific Coast Softball Conference Coastal Division.

The Hornets, which finished 13-7 in conference play, fell short of Saint Mary’s College, ending the team’s postseason hopes.

On Saturday, the Hornets won game one by a score of 4-3. Molly Smith, played second base, hit a home run in the top of the seventh inning to break a 3-3 tie.

The Hornets came back in game two and won in convincing fashion, defeating the Lions 9-0. Pitcher Shelby Voelz recorded her second consecutive shutout and fifth of the season in the win, as she struck out six, gave up four hits and walked one batter.

On Sunday, the Hornets won game one 9-6. Shortstop Emily McCormick went 4-4 with four RBI, as she hit her fifth home run of the season. Erin Jones, third base, added her seventh home run of the season in the win.

In game two, the Hornets won a slugfest by a score of 12-8. McCormick led the team again with a 3-4 day at the plate, smacking her sixth home run of the season. Jones and Janice Bartee added home runs as well. Voelz won her 11th game of the season, despite giving up six runs in six innings.

Jones was an offensive powerhouse this season, as she won the team’s Triple Crown, leading the Hornets in batting average (.391), home runs (eight) and runs batted in (40). Pitchers Megan Schaefer and Voelz combined for a 21 of the team’s 23 wins. Schaefer recorded a 2.78 ERA while Voelz had a 2.98 ERA.

The team finishes the season at 23-31 overall.

Dustin Nosler can be reached at [email protected]