DAVIS, Calif. — Saint Mary's Softball (2-0) could not have asked for a better start to their 2024 campaign, as the Gaels defeated both UC Davis (1-1) and Middle Tennessee State (0-2) to open their season with two consecutive wins for the first time since 2007. The Gaels dominated in the circle, at the plate and in the field, outscoring their two opponents 14-2 and not committing a single error. Every play who was on the field made a contribution in the two victories, with veterans and newcomers alike getting their moments to shine.

GAME ONE: SMC 6, UCD 0

UNTOUCHABLE ODHI
The biggest storyline today was the impeccable start in the circle from Odhi Vasquez in the season opener. The sophomore earned the nod in game one, and quickly showed fans why, going the distance against a potent Aggies lineup, and limiting them to just one hit. Vasquez fanned six in her season debut, and only allowed a single base runner to get beyond first base. No stranger to brilliant outings, this magnificent performance marked the seventh career complete game tossed by Vasquez, and the third complete game shutout. 

A WARM WELCOME TO COLLEGE BALL
The Gaels debuted a few new players in game one of the year, but their headliner in the lineup was freshman third baseman Sam Buckley. The Burbank, California native stepped up to her first collegiate plate appearance with two outs in the first, but looked like a seasoned veteran, working the count to 2-2 before pulling a double down the left field line to score Marissa Nishihara from second. Buckley would subsequently score on a Tori Cervantes triple. Through her first half inning off collegiate softball, Buckley had already notched her first collegiate hit, extra base hit, RBI and scored her first run, but she wasn't done there. In the third inning, Buckley again stepped up with runners on, and promptly poked a single out to right field, scoring Nishihara again to expand the Gael lead to 3-0. Gaels fans better get used to the name Sam Buckley, as she made it clear today that she will be key piece to the Saint Mary's squad for years to come. 

GAME TWO: SMC 8, MTSU 2

SHAKING OFF THE RUST
Avrey Wolverton got the nod in game two. The defending All-WCC selection got off to a shaky start, surrendering two runs on four hits to the first six batters she faced, but quickly rebounded to retire 13 of the final 14 batters she faced, leaving the window of opportunity open for the Gaels offense to strike. Wolverton tossed the first five innings in this one, surrendering five hits (four in the first inning) and just one extra base hit. She fanned three, and did not allow a free pass in her season debut. Wolverton eventually gave way to Mia Nishikawa who quickly earned the final six outs on the rubber. With a starting pitching one two punch of Vasquez and Wolverton as well as many other relief arms like that of Mia Nishikawa, the Gaels will be a mighty formidable foe for any team to square off with this season.

THE BIG INNING
The Gaels fell behind 2-0 in this one, but turned the tides in the top of the fourth. Things got started with a Sam Buckley single to left, followed by a Tori Cervantes walk. With two on and nobody out, newcomer Iris Bejarano ripped a single to left, scoring Buckley. Cervantes was eliminated attempting to go first to third on that play, but Bejarano advanced to second on the throw, before giving way to Jocelyn Bryant to pinch run. Angelica Franco reached on an error by the MTSU third baseman, leaving Bryant unable to advance. Freshman Gracie Carpenter pinch ran for Franco, the catcher, with Marissa Montelongo at the plate. Montelongo drew the game level with a single down the left field line, scoring Bryant, and chasing the Blue Raiders' starting pitcher from the game. With one away, Hannah Ferguson legged out an infield single, loading the bases for Marissa Nishihara. Nishihara would also beat out an infield single, plating two more runs to bring the score to 4-2, giving the Gaels a lead that they would not relinquish throughout the remainder of the game. 

A VERY SHORT SOPHOMORE SLUMP
Hannah Ferguson is coming off of a terrific freshman campaign as the Gaels leadoff hitter. Her day began with an 0-4 showing against the Aggies, but Ferguson quickly showed that the 0-fors would be rare occurrences this season, as she went 3-4, matching a career-high of three hits in a ballgame, against the Blue Raiders. Ferguson led off the game with a single right back up the middle, and followed that up by flashing her signature speed, legging out a pair of infield singles. Ferguson once again demonstrated that she will be one of the toughest outs in this Gaels lineup.

UP NEXT
The Gaels will play two more in Davis tomorrow, taking on the San Jose State Spartans at 9:30 AM and the Cal Poly Mustangs at 2:30 PM. 

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