UC Santa Barbara softball started their home tournament off with a doubleheader sweep over Long Island University (LIU), winning the first game 4-3 in extra innings and the second game 7-4 on Thursday.
UCSB 4, LIU 3 (F/8)
In the first game, a two-run seventh inning highlighted by back-to-back doubles propelled UC Santa Barbara to the win, overcoming LIU’s early three-run lead.
LIU took an early advantage in the second inning with three runs, highlighted by an RBI double, extending the score to 3-0. UC Santa Barbara responded in the third inning when Tehya Banks homered to left center, narrowing the gap to 3-1.
In the seventh inning, UC Santa Barbara tied the game as Bella Fuentes hit a two-run home run to center field, bringing in pinch runner Kaylin Garcia and leveling the score at 3-3.
The game extended into the eighth inning, where Jaelyn Toledo was placed on second base. Jazzy Santos executed a sacrifice bunt, advancing Toledo to third. Ainsley Waddell then doubled to left center, driving in Toledo for the winning run.
UCSB 7, LIU 4
The second game saw UC Santa Barbara rally with a decisive five-run fifth inning, overcoming an early deficit to claim the win. LIU scored the initial run in the first inning on a single to center field, putting the Sharks ahead 1-0.
The Sharks extended their lead to 2-0 in the third inning with another single to right field, driving in another run, while UC Santa Barbara remained scoreless through the third inning.
In the fourth inning, UC Santa Barbara responded after LIU scored two more runs, including a home run. Ainsley Waddell and Emily Carr both walked, and Giselle Mejia singled, bringing in Waddell.
Tehya Banks followed with a single to left center, allowing Carr to score, making it 4-2, still in favor of the Sharks.
The fifth inning marked a turning point for UC Santa Barbara. Jazzy Santos and Waddell both reached base on singles, followed by a double from Carr, which brought Santos home.
Bella Fuentes then singled, scoring pinch runner Katie Terrazas, before Mejia hit a triple, driving in two more runs. Delaina Ma’ae added a sacrifice fly, bringing Mejia home, giving UC Santa Barbara a commanding 7-4 lead.
UC Santa Barbara’s defense held strong in the final innings, preventing any further scoring by the Sharks.
UC Santa Barbara will play two games tomorrow, one against LIU to finish out the three-game series and one against Iowa State to begin a three-game set with the Cyclones. Both games will be streamed on ESPN+ with live stats available.