Thursday, May 9, 2019

LA JOLLA, Calif. – A solo home run by sophomore Katie Kastning was all of the offense that No. 7 seed Central Washington could muster Thursday as the Wildcats fell 2-1 to No. 2 seed UC San Diego in the NCAA Division II Softball West Regional at the Triton Softball Field.

Kastning’s fifth home run of the season was one of just three hits the Wildcats had off of Tritons’ starter Robyn Wampler, who picked up her 19th win of the season as she walked three and struck out seven. Wampler closed the game by retiring the last eight batters she faced.

Sophomore Lexie Strasser was just as solid, allowing two runs on six hits with one walk and one strikeout as she fell to 18-12 on the season.

Both of UC San Diego’s runs came in the fifth inning. Danielle Stedman reached with a one-out bunt single and Maddy Lewis got aboard on a single to shortstop. That set the table for Katie Bosinger, who hit a long single to right field that scored both runners and proved the difference in the game.

Kastning, junior Savannah Egbert and senior Kayla Ellis had the Wildcats’ three hits. Bosinger went 2 for 3 to lead the Tritons.

With the loss, Central Washington (33-19) will face the loser of the game between No. 3 Chico State and No. 6 Sonoma State in an elimination game on Friday at 2:30 p.m.