San Diego State Aztecs Earn Comeback Win Over Arizona State

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San Diego State Aztecs celebrate their comeback victory over Arizona State in the NCAA Tournament.

News Summary

In a thrilling NCAA Tournament matchup, the San Diego State Aztecs softball team secured a 3-2 victory against Arizona State University. After trailing for most of the game, SDSU mounted a remarkable comeback in the seventh inning, with Grace Uribe and Gabriella Terrones both hitting home runs. The victory is significant as it improves SDSU’s NCAA Tournament record at UCLA’s Easton Stadium and sets the stage for their next challenge against No. 9 UCLA.

Los Angeles, CA – The San Diego State Aztecs softball team achieved a stunning 3-2 victory over Arizona State University in the NCAA Tournament on Friday night. This match marked SDSU’s 15th appearance in the NCAA Tournament, taking place at Easton Stadium on the UCLA campus.

The game began with an explosive first inning as seniors Bella Espinoza and Cali Decker played crucial roles in generating the first run. Espinoza led off with a single and advanced to second base on a steal, allowing Decker to drive her in with another single, bringing the score to 1-0 early in the game.

The tide turned in the second inning when Arizona State managed to tie the game 1-1. The Sun Devils executed a sacrifice bunt followed by a sacrifice fly to bring in their first run. By the sixth inning, ASU took the lead with a double from Tanya Windle, scoring one run and putting the Aztecs down 2-1.

Facing elimination with their last three outs in the seventh inning, San Diego State mounted a remarkable comeback. Grace Uribe began the rally by hitting a home run on the first pitch she faced, which leveled the score at 2-2. Following Uribe, Gabriella Terrones, who entered as a pinch hitter, wasted no time, hitting a solo home run that pushed the Aztecs ahead 3-2.

After the back-to-back home runs, SDSU’s Olivia Gigante contributed a single, while Jazmin Williams successfully stole second base, solidifying the team’s offensive strength. On the defensive side, pitcher Cece Cellura demonstrated poise and skill, completing the game for the Aztecs and securing the win. Cellura’s efforts in the final frame included striking out the last ASU batter, Ayden Allen, to conclude the game.

This victory is particularly notable for SDSU as it improves their all-time NCAA Tournament record at UCLA’s Easton Stadium to 14-12. Cellura’s win brings her season record to 19-7, while ASU’s pitcher Kenzie Brown also falls to 19-7 following the defeat.

Going into the game, Gabriella Terrones was on a roll, having hit three home runs and tallied seven RBIs in her last ten games. Her impactful performance in this matchup underlined her significance to the team’s success during the tournament.

With this victory, San Diego State’s next challenge will be a highly anticipated matchup against No. 9/9 UCLA scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. PT. This game will be broadcast on ESPN+, offering the Aztecs another opportunity to showcase their talent and determination on a national platform.

As the tournament progresses, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how SDSU builds on this thrilling victory, hoping they can maintain their momentum against top-tier competition.