Sacramento State softball started its three-game series with a doubleheader today at the University of North Dakota, as the Hornets beat North Dakota in both games behind dominant pitching performances.

In the first game today, the Hornets beat North Dakota 8-3, and Sac State won the second game 12-0 behind a five-inning no-hitter by freshman Celina Matthias. The wins put the team at 9-2 in conference.

The second game of the day ended in five innings because of the NCAA mercy rule. Sac State scored five runs in the fourth inning and another seven in the fifth inning.

Matthias got the win for the Hornets today, pitching all five innings and totaling nine strikeouts.

Alexis Martinez and Nicole Clark had three RBIs apiece in the game and Sasha Margulies, Marissa Maligad, Zamari Hinton and Shelby Johnston each drove in one.

The game remained scoreless until Martinez doubled to right field and Alexa Chattleton and Margulies both scored in the top of the fourth inning. The momentum continued when Clark singled up the middle and Wayadande scored after coming in as a pinch runner for Martinez. An error from North Dakota led senior Paris Prado to score next. Finishing up the runs for the Hornets in the fourth inning was Hinton after she doubled to left field and Clark scored.

Martinez continued the energy in the fifth inning after she reached on an error and Margulies scored. Clark hit a triple to left field, and both Prado and Martinez scored. Following Clark’s at-bat, Maligad singled through the right side and Clark scored.

Pinch-hitting for Hinton was Kayla Papez, who drew a walk. She later scored after Margulies doubled to right field.

After scoring seven runs in the fifth inning and with the Hornets up by 12 runs, officials called the game.

Caitlin Brooks pitched all seven innings in the first game for the Hornets, notching 16 strikeouts. Brooks started out strong in the first inning, striking all three batters out. In the second inning she gave up one run when designated hitter Jackie Lilek of North Dakota hit one out of the park.

Paige Martin was able to get her team ahead in the top of the third inning after she hit a home run, scoring Clark.

In the bottom of the fourth inning, Brooks gave up another run when Shelby Hard hit a two-run home run. The game was 3-2 with Sac State trailing until the top of the sixth inning.

The Hornets had better hitting in the sixth inning with a total of three hits and one run. The run came from Martinez, who reached on a fielder’s choice and got an RBI, scoring Chattleton.

North Dakota was not able to make a comeback in the bottom of the sixth, and tallied two hits, leaving runners on first and second base.

Sac State kicked it into full gear in the top of the seventh inning when they were able to get five runs in. Hinton reached on an error from North Dakota’s shortstop and Martin scored. They walked Martinez with the bases loaded, forcing in Margulies for another run.

Maligad hit a double to center field to score Prado and Chattleton. Clark hit a sac fly to center field to drive in Johnston.

Brooks shut down the game in the bottom of the seventh inning when she struck out all three batters, ending the game 8-3 .

The Hornets play at 11 a.m. Saturday, and will return home to play the University of the Pacific at UOP on Wednesday, April 15.