TURLOCK, Calif. — Stan State used a clutch two-run single by Nat Camarena in the bottom of the sixth inning to secure a thrilling 10-9 win in game one before dropping a 6-3 decision in the nightcap, as the Warriors split a CCAA doubleheader with Cal State Monterey Bay on Friday afternoon at Warrior Field.

In the opener, the Warriors (18-19, 7-13 CCAA) came out swinging, plating four runs in the first inning and adding three more in the second to take an early 7-0 lead. Nat Camarena delivered the big blow in the first with a three-run double, while Katelyn Bridgeman added a two-run home run in the second to highlight the early surge.

Cal State Monterey Bay (26-18, 9-14 CCAA) chipped away, capitalizing on a four-run third inning and eventually tying the game at 8-8 before taking a 9-8 lead in the sixth. The Warriors answered in the bottom half of the inning, as Malia Babasa and Bridgeman reached base to set the stage for Camarena, who lined a two-run single up the middle to give Stan State a 10-9 advantage.

Alexandria Himes (9-4) went the distance in the circle to earn the win, scattering nine hits and allowing five earned runs while striking out two, while Kaitlyn Le (5-3) was charged with the loss for the Otters. Offensively, Babasa and Bridgeman each recorded three hits, while Camarena drove in a game-high five runs.

In game two, Cal State Monterey Bay struck early and used consistent offense to build a lead, eventually earning a 6-3 victory to split the day. The Otters pushed across runs in five different innings and regained control after Stan State tied the game in the fourth.

The Warriors answered with a three-run fourth inning, highlighted by a two-run single from Marley Hogue that evened the score at 3-3. However, Monterey Bay responded with single runs in the fifth and a two-run sixth to pull away.

Jordan Knutson (10-5) went the distance for the Otters to earn the win, allowing three runs on five hits while striking out three. Nat Camarena (4-8) took the loss for Stan State, giving up six runs (three earned) over six innings of work.

Warrior Notable

• Nat Camarena delivered the game-winning hit in the bottom of the sixth inning of game one, finishing with a game-high five RBIs.
• Katelyn Bridgeman went a perfect 3-for-3 with a home run, two RBIs, and three runs scored in the opener.
• Malia Babasa added three hits and scored three runs to pace the Warriors' offense in game one.
• Stan State scored 10 runs on 12 hits in the opener, marking one of its highest offensive outputs in CCAA play this season.
• Alexandria Himes tossed a complete game in the circle to earn her ninth win of the year.

CCAA Standings
Cal State San Marcos sits atop the conference standings at 22-4, followed by Cal State East Bay at 14-8. Cal Poly Humboldt holds third at 10-10, while Cal State San Bernardino and San Francisco State are tied at 9-11.

Cal State Dominguez Hills (11-15) and Chico State (10-14) round out the middle of the standings, with Cal State Monterey Bay just behind at 9-13. Stan State is currently 6-14 in CCAA play.

The top five teams in the final standings will advance to the CCAA Softball Championships, scheduled for May 6-9 in Hayward.

Around the CCAA
Friday's action around the conference saw several key results impacting the standings. Cal State East Bay and Cal State San Bernardino split their doubleheader, while Cal State San Marcos swept Cal Poly Humboldt with 3-0 and 7-1 victories to remain atop the standings.

Cal State Dominguez Hills earned a sweep at San Francisco State, winning 14-4 and 6-5, while Stan State and Cal State Monterey Bay split their doubleheader in Turlock (10-9, 3-6).

Conference play continues Saturday with another full slate of doubleheaders, including Stan State hosting Cal State Monterey Bay at noon and 2 p.m. at Warrior Softball Field.

Up Next
Stan State continues its four-game series against Cal State Monterey Bay with a doubleheader on Saturday at Warrior Softball Field. First pitch is set for 12 p.m., followed by game two at 2 p.m.

The Warriors then hit the road for a CCAA doubleheader at San Francisco State on Monday, April 20, beginning at 1 p.m.

Stan State wraps up the regular season with a four-game road series at Cal State Dominguez Hills (April 24-25) before returning home to host Cal Poly Humboldt on May 1-2. The series finale on May 2 will serve as Senior Day, honoring Malia Babasa, McKenna Beach, and Emily Bigley at Warrior Softball Field.