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SMC California Athletics

Saint Mary's College Athletics Gaels
Mia Nishikawa vs CSUF
Saint Mary's Athletics / Tod Fierner
Mia Nishikawa: 2.1 IP 0 R 0 H
0
Saint Mary's SMC 8-9
4
Winner Creighton CU 9-4
Saint Mary's SMC
8-9
0
Final
4
Creighton CU
9-4
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Saint Mary's SMC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1
Creighton CU 0 0 0 4 0 0 X 4 4 0

W: Brooke Shifflett (5-1) L: Bennett, Chelsea (0-2)

Game Recap: Softball |

SB | Bats Go Cold in Final Day of UCSB Tournament vs Creighton

SANTA BARBARA, Calif — Saint Mary's (8-9) locked in a pitcher's dual with Creighton (9-4) for their finale at the 2025 UCSB Tournament. Both teams seemed to match each other pitch for pitch through the first three innings, but free passes began to pile up for the Gaels staff, eventually resulting in a four run bottom of the fourth for the Bluejays. The Creighton pitching staff remained steadfast throughout the contest, limiting the Gaels to just one hit, ultimately taking the victory 4-0. 

Chelsea Bennett got the start, and needed just 18 pitches to retire the first six batters of the game. She surrendered her first two hits as well as a free pass in the bottom of the third with one out, but managed strand the loaded basepaths, inducing a lineout and groundout to Mia Zabat at short. 

The Gaels logged their lone hit of the game in the top of the fourth, a Taylor Lane two out single, but stranded her at first base. A single, followed by three straight walks would put Creighton on the board in the bottom half of the fourth, and would chase Bennett from the game. Ella Thurman entered the game, and pitched well, surrendering just one hit and one walk, but a Gael error would lead to all three inherited base runners scoring, two of which were unearned. Mia Nishikawa entered at that point, and retired seven of the eight batters she faced, only allowing one to reach via a walk. 

Saint Mary's best scoring chance came in the top of the fifth. With two outs, Tori Cervantes was plunked by a pitch, and stole second before Sam Buckley worked a five pitch walk. That brought up the Gaels hottest hitter, Camille Lara, who tried to catch the Bluejay defense napping with a drag bunt, but it was laid down softly enough for the catcher to field it cleanly and throw out the speedy Lara by a close margin. 

The Gaels would be retied on three pitches in the bottom of the seventh, as Craighton completed the complete game shutout effort, the third shutout against the Gaels this season. Mia Nishikawa worked 2.1 innings of scoreless, hitless softball. Taylor Lane had the only hit of the game, while also reaching on a walk, while Sam Buckley also reached twice with two free passes.

UP NEXT
The Gaels will play in their home opener on Tuesday, March 4, as they host Sacramento State for a rematch from opening weekend. First pitch is set for 2 PM at Cottrell Field. 

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