Cuesta Softball hosted a three-way series today, while bringing together two playoff teams from either end of the State.  The Cougars opened against Saddleback and took a loss against the Bobcats, 8-2.  Saddleback drew first blood with a five-run, two-out rally in the second inning.  The Cougars got on the board with two runs in the third inning, thanks to a two-run home run by Third Baseman Addy Finegan, but could not hold the 19th-ranked Bobcats on their way to the win, 8-2.  The Cougars shall get another shot at the Bobcats, when they host their re-match tomorrow (11 AM).  In the sandwich game, Saddleback also bested Monterey Peninsula, 3-2, before the Lobos faced a rested Cuesta team.  Both the Cougars and Lobos turned on the offense in the tournament finale.  The Lobos scored one run in the first inning, while the Cougars posted three to take the lead.  Monterey scored five times in their second swing through the order and re-took the lead.  Undeterred, the Cougars added four runs in their second at bat and maintained their advantage until the 5th inning.  Monterey scored three runs in the 5th to squeeze ahead, 11-10, and held the Cougars' offense in check, as they pushed their final advantage to 14-10.  The loss drops the Cougars to 2-9 on the season, but also demonstrated that, after a slow start, the Cougars are ready to make their mark against the elite teams. 

 

All-WSC First Team Third Baseman Addy Finegan has enjoyed a strong start to her "Sophomore Campaign". On the day, Finegan went 5-for-6 at the plate, including a double and three home runs, while scoring four times and driving in seven runs. Freshman Bayla Garcia and Sophomore Sophia Edwards also added three hits each during the twinbill.

 

The Cougars will get another shot at Saddleback, when they host the Bobcats tomorrow at 11 AM.