The Sonoma State Softball team honored their seniors with Senior Day in their previous home series against Chico State earning themselves a 3-1 winning series for the weekend.  

Senior Jordyn Martinez said senior day was very emotional yet very fun. Despite the bittersweet feelings, spirits were high with wide smiles and proud faces across the crowd. 

As a co-captain, Martinez said it means being a veteran for the team. She mentioned that this year was the first year to show who she has become as a softball player while using what she learned over the years to help carry the team toward their goals. “As Courtney Jack and I are co captains, I feel that the responsibilities we carry together is to keep our team focused on the common goal while also being their role models,” said Martinez. 

Senior and criminal justice major Cassidy Romano shared the bittersweet feelings on senior day and said her five years here have been such a journey. She started as a young freshman playing on an already strong team. Then her sophomore year COVID-19 hit, canceling the rest of the season. Then getting COVID last year at the regional tournament taking her chances away from playing any of the games. “Finally making it to my senior day and reminiscing on all that I’ve gone through to be there was really incredible” said Romano. 

On Friday, April 14, the No. 11 ranked Seawolves faced off against school rival Chico State for a double header. After an 8-0 loss in the opener, Sonoma didn’t stand down and came back to win 4-0, to take the nightcap. Nichole Sarra pitched a complete game shutout only allowing six hits and one walk, while striking out six Wildcats. Sonoma’s bats came alive in the third inning with Anna Zoia-Buescher and Rylee Nishimoto opening it up with back to back singles. Martinez then bunted both runners into scoring position. This allowed Giana Hays to lay the perfect squeeze bunt for the first run of the game. With tactical steals and clutch singles Sonoma secured the victory 4-0 to split the day. 

The following day both teams battled to make it a close opener, yet Sonoma managed to pull out the win 2-1. Zoia-Buescher singled in the second inning, scoring senior  Jack. Then in the third inning first baseman Skylar Linnane doubled to score Hays for their final run of the game. Bailee Reed was recorded with the win while Charlie Johnson got the save. 

During the nightcap Sonoma scored early and played solid defense to hold Chico and secure the 4-2 win. Hays earned herself a hat trick going 3-4 with three RBIs. To start the game off Hays singled, scoring in Zoia-Buescher then Romano stepped up to hit a triple, scoring in Hays. In the second inning, Hays singled again to score both Nishimoto and Zoia-Buescher. Nichole pitched another complete game, giving up one walk and nine hits, while striking out three. 

The Seawolves moved to 33-8 overall and 22-5 in the CCAA while currently sitting on top of the conference standings.