The562’s coverage of Long Beach State athletics for the 2022-23 season is sponsored by Marilyn Bohl.
Two years ago, Long Beach State softball swept rival Cal State Fullerton in the final Big West series of the season to swipe the conference title.
The situation is the same this weekend at LBSU Softball Complex, and the Beach took care of the first step on Friday night by beating Cal State Fullerton 3-2. The regular season finale doubleheader is Saturday at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. and LBSU can win the conference title with a sweep.
LBSU (29-21, 19-6) got a complete game performance from pitcher Shannon Haddad, who gave up three hits and one earned run while striking out two and walking three.
The Beach used a balanced attack to take an early lead on Cal State Fullerton (33-17, 20-5) and ace Myka Sutherlin (6 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 6 K, BB).
Left fielder Sara Olson doubled to start the bottom of the first inning for the Beach. Jacquelyn Bickar followed with a bunt single, and Makayla Medellin grabbed a third straight hit to give the Beach an early lead. Lilyanna Martinez cracked a fourth single in the inning to make the score 2-0. Bickar was the only LBSU player with two hits.
In the sixth, senior Cam Cecil singled, and after taking second on a wild pitch, scored on a pinch hit single from Sinclair Lawhorn to make the score 3-1.
LBSU has won its last six games and eight of its last 10.
Friday’s game was broadcast nationally on ESPNU, and live coverage of both games Saturday will be on ESPN+.
