MORAGA, Calif. — Saint Mary's (8-10) played their first game at home since their WCC Title clinching win over LMU, but unfortunately, could not keep the positive momentum rolling to start 2025, falling to Sacramento State (12-8) 14-3. The Gaels dropped their first meeting of the year to Sacramento State in what was the Hornets home opener 6-3, and now fall to 0-2 to their non-conference NorCal foe. 

The Gaels got off to a good start in this one. Mia Nishikawa hit the first batter she faced, but would retire the next three to retire the side in the top of the first. Sam Buckley and Camille Lara would work back-to-back walks to start the game, and would both score on RBI groundouts from Taylor Lane and Jenavee Amador, giving the Gaels their first two run lead over the Hornets this season. 

A nine run, 11 hit second inning for Sacramento State would flip the game on its head, and while the Gaels would respond with their first hit of the game, a Julia Medina double, and would eventually score Medina on a throwing error, it was not enough to keep pace with the red-hot Hornet offense, as the Gaels eventually fell 14-3. 

Medina and Sam Buckley recorded the only two hits of the game for the Gaels, with Medina, Buckley and Camille Lara scoring the three Gael runs. Braxton Brown made her season debut in the circle, going the final 2.1 innings, including the final two full scoreless. 

#GaelsRise