USU Eastern Softball Splits Home Series with CSI

USU Eastern’s Angelique Lokeni delivers a pitch to catcher Taylor Passarella on Saturday April 28 against CSI. (Photo Credit: Derick Levy)
Utah State Eastern softball split their four-game series with the eighth-ranked College of Southern Idaho Golden Eagles at home on Friday and Saturday. 
The Eagles opened the four-game series with a pair of walk-off victories on Friday. 
Trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the sixth inning of game one, freshman left fielder Avery Blackhurst tied the game with a solo home run. 
In the bottom of the seventh after Carlye Levy reached first on a two-out single, freshman Ashley Sweat hit a walk-off game winning home run to give the Eagles a 3-2 win over CSI.
The Eagles weren’t finished on Friday with late-game dramatics. 
In the bottom of the seventh, trailing 2-0, a two-run home run by Cassidy Howe tied the game.
The next batter, McKenzie Dorney, hit a solo home run over left field to give the Eagles another 3-2 victory over CSI.
 “When Mckenzie and Ashley hit their home runs it was awesome, this team is confident in their ability to hit the ball hard and consistent,” said USU Eastern Head Coach Brittani Richins. 
Pitching was a major role in the wins on Friday for USU Eastern. Sophomore Angelique Lokeni pitched a complete game with four strikeouts and only allowed five hits with two earned runs.
 In game two Levy pitched a complete game with seven strikeouts while allowing seven hits and two earned runs.
“I have known all along that Angelique could throw the way that she did against CSI it is a huge confidence boost not only for Angelique but for both of them,” said Richins.
 On Saturday, the Eagles lost twice to CSI, 11-0 in game three and 15-7 in game four.
During game four, the Eagles held a seven-run lead throughout the game but ultimately gave up thirteen runs in the final two innings.
 “CSI just decided that they were not going to get beat again, they really want to host regionals and why wouldn’t they,” said Richins.
 The weekend split puts the Eagles overall record at 23-23 overall and 18-18 in Scenic West Athletic Conference play.
USU Eastern will wrap up their regular season this upcoming weekend with a four-game series against Snow College.
“The team just needs to focus on their main goal and that is hitting the ball and elimination errors. They really want to finish 3rd in the conference and this week is critical in making that happen, but I know they can do it,” said Richins.  
First pitch of the weekend against Snow is schedule for 1 p.m. on Friday at the Carbon County Fairgrounds.