SAN DIEGO - The Reggie Smith Invitational kicked off with crosstown competition between host University of San Diego and San Diego State at Reggie Smith Softball Complex on Thursday. The stands were evenly split between contrasting red and blue colors for the San Diego-based teams.
USD pitcher Kelsey Tadlock was run out of the game early when the Aztecs scored three home runs in the first inning. Jade Ignacio (El Camino High) homered to deep left field on a full count. Ignacio holds the highest batting average of both teams at .453. Jazmin Williams (Steele Canyon High) and Angie Yellen followed suit, both clearing the fences to make for a fierce start for the Aztecs.
New standout for the Toreros, Charlie Johnson stepped in to pitch in the first, then made an early statement by striking out Julie Holcomb in the second.
Taylor Johnson during the win against South Florida on Saturday. Thomas Christensen / USD Athletics
In the top of the fourth, junior Olivia Gigante singled down the middle and was substituted for pinch runner Mia Rodriguez. Lala Macario grounded to third, moving Rodriguez to second, and with Kiara Cisneros’ single to the pitcher’s mound, Rodriguez advanced to third. USD was able to work out of the inning without additional scoring.
Sophomore Mallory Axline started off the fifth for the Toreros with a single up the middle. Hailey Mulligan followed and doubled to center, advancing Axline to third, but the runners were left stranded.
SDSU made waves once again in the top of the seventh inning. Here’s how it happened. Ignacio reached on a fielder’s choice, Holcomb advanced to second base, then made it to third on a Torero throwing error and scored on a sacrifice fly. Then, Yellen singled to center field and Ignacio scored from second. With the Toreros struggling to make offensive moves, the Aztecs were able to cruise to a 5-0 victory.
Freshman Matti Kwarka got the win after pitching five innings for the the Aztecs, while Faith Jordan earned the save.
Next Up
USD plays next on Saturday starting with Cal Poly at 4:30 p.m. and Kansas City at 7 p.m. Purchase tickets here. Can’t make it? Watch the game on ESPN+.
SDSU plays tomorrow at Reggie Smith Complex against CSUN at 9 a.m. The Aztecs then face No. 24 Washington at 11:30 a.m. SDSU’s schedule is here.
