DAVIS, Calif.- The University of San Diego Toreros opened their season Friday against UC Davis in a NorCal vs. SoCal showdown filled with intensity, as the Toreros went down in extra innings, 3-2. The matchup was part of the 2026 NorCal Kickoff and marked the first of five games the Toreros play over the weekend.
Sister duo MJ and Shay Knighten returned for their sixth season as head coaches and continued to emphasize what they described as their team’s “veteranship,” placing trust in experienced players across the field. That approach showed up immediately, with familiar faces anchoring both the lineup and the defense. USD also welcomed a new assistant coach, Nick Sanchez, who previously helped UC Riverside earn its first Big West berth in program history.
Senior pitcher Charlie Johnson (Del Norte ) made her USD debut in the circle, throwing all eight innings. Johnson transferred from Sonoma State, where she played three seasons, quickly demonstrating the poise of a veteran.
USD’s defense set the tone early. In the first inning, senior Michelle Delgado cut down Alyssa Dethlefson with a tag at third base, preserving the scoreless start and backing Johnson effectively in the circle.
The Toreros generated their first offensive momentum in the third inning. Senior Hailey Mulligan (El Capitan) doubled for USD’s first hit of the game. Sophomore Mallory Axline (Cathedral Catholic), making her first start, moved Mulligan over, and junior Kaitlyn Wynia followed with a bunt to put Mulligan at third, showcasing smart base running and situational offense.
The game remained scoreless through four innings. UC Davis broke through in the top of the fifth when Abby Lee reached on a throwing error by Johnson, allowing Marley Panziera to score and give the Aggies a 1–0 lead.
Senior Carly Ruiz at bat in a game last season. Thomas Christensen / USD Athletics
Johnson regrouped quickly, becoming more animated and communicative with her infield as the game moved on. The Toreros held defensively into the sixth, and USD answered at the plate. Senior leader Shawnese Hogue-Lacey delivered an RBI single up the middle to score Wynia and tie the game at 1–1.
Johnson delivered a scoreless seventh, setting the stage for extra innings. In the top of the eighth, Ruiz laid down a bunt single in front of the plate and advanced to second on a fielding error. The play allowed Wynia to move to third and Axline to score, giving USD a 2–1 lead.
UC Davis responded in the bottom of the eighth. Dethlefson singled through the left side, advancing Sydney Polli to third. Gia Felice then reached on a fielder’s choice, bringing Polli home. Keira Brady followed with a walk-off fielder’s choice to shortstop, allowing Dethlefson to score and sealing a 3–2 Aggies win.
Versus Cal Poly
USD’s Emily Taylor scores one for the Toreros. Credit: USD Athletics
USD rebounded later in the day at La Rue Field, defeating Cal Poly 5–0 to split the opening day and move to 1–1 on the weekend. Janae Combs' (Rancho Buena Vista) second-inning three-run homer set up the Toreros, while Kaitlyn Bartlow and Alex Riggs (Our Lady of Peace) kept the Mustangs scoreless, pitching five and two innings respectively.
Next Up
The Toreros will continue their weekend slate today with two games, opening against Colorado State at 9:30 a.m. before facing UC Davis again at noon. They will wrap up the weekend on Sunday, traveling to Sacramento to take on Cal Poly at Shea Stadium at noon. Visit the live stats for the game against Colorado State here. At publication, USD was up 4-0 in the bottom of the sixth.
