The Matadors brought defensive energy, but could not execute offensively against UCSD in the first two games of the series on Friday afternoon. After a night’s rest, the energy was returned for the entirety of the final game Saturday afternoon.

Game 1

Both teams’ defense started strong in the first inning of the series opener. Back-to-back singles were able to bring the energy up for infielder Jordan Ramirez, whose RBI put the Matadors on the scoreboard first, bringing the score to 1-0.

UCSD quickly answered with three consecutive home runs in the top of the third, bringing the score to 4-1. After the Matadors made a pitching change for Alizae Cole, the defense was able to close the inning.

The Tritons stayed sharp with their defense and kept the Matadors from scoring for the remainder of the game. UCSD had two RBIs in the top of the fourth, leading them to a 6-1 victory.

Game 2

A back-to-back bases-loaded situation led to three RBIs in the top of the first for UCSD with another RBI to follow, bringing the score to 4-0. A wild pitch and RBI allowed the Tritons to extend their early lead to 6-0..

The Matadors’ defense closed the second and third innings swiftly. CSUN hit three RBIs, two coming from utility player Madison Okano, to get the Matadors on the scoreboard at the bottom of the third, cutting the lead in half.

CSUN was able to capitalize further with the bases loaded and two more RBIs from catcher Isabella Hiner, tightening the score gap 6-5.

After going scoreless for the next two innings, UCSD extended its lead to 9-5 in the top of the sixth and continued in the top of the seventh, ultimately leading them to victory, 12-5.

Game 3

The Matadors’ last home game started with six seniors being recognized. Outfielder Raegan Jackson, infielder Mackenzie Kila, pitchers Malia Williams and Aleyna Urbina, catcher Maddie Padilla and Okano were announced.

Both teams were able to close the first inning quickly. The top of the second started rocky for the Matadors, who were trying to find their defensive rhythm after UCSD loaded the bases. The Tritons followed with a three-run home run, bringing the score to 3-0.

CSUN’s defense picked up in the top of the third with a crucial double play to close the inning. Two doubles and one RBI were able to put them on the scoreboard at the bottom of the third, leaving them trailing the Tritons 3-1.

With only one out in the third inning, seniors Jackson and Okano were able to capitalize with a single and an RBI each, tying the score at 3-3.

The momentum continued, with Matador defense closing out the fourth inning quickly and Williams’ pitching to close the fifth inning. With two strikes and one out in the bottom of the fifth, outfielder Amber Rivas doubled and helped the Matadors take a 4-3 lead.

Going into the bottom of the sixth, bases were loaded and another RBI by Jackson extended the lead 5-3. Okano continued the scoring with an RBI, ending the bottom of the inning leading 6-3, which ultimately resulted in their victory. UCSD went scoreless for five consecutive innings.

Defense was essential in all three games. Head coach Jodie Cox spoke about what led to the Matadors’ success.

“We work hard and don’t give up, you know? Our defense was super solid – even our losses yesterday, our defense was solid,” Cox said. “There was a play in the seventh inning in left field with Mackenzie Kila that arguably saved the game; those aren’t always in the scorebook, but they’re working their butts off for the pitchers, doing a really good job.”

Williams, who pitched the entirety of game three, spoke about her mindset coming into the last game of the series after two losses, during which she pitched in part of game one.

“My mindset really was just to prove myself ‘cause I didn’t have my greatest day yesterday, so I just wanted to be relaxed all day,” Williams said.

Okano, who had an impactful series with four RBIs and five hits, spoke about how it felt to execute during this important weekend.

“Honestly, I came in this weekend just knowing we had to win in order to make the postseason, so just doing anything in my power to help the team win and just pass the bat,” Okano said.

Jackson, who helped tighten the score gap in the bottom of the third and extend the lead in the bottom of the sixth, spoke on what was going through her head coming into her last home game. Jackson said she was focused on delivering for her team, and by prioritizing them above all else, she was able to take the emotion out of senior day.

“There’s no better feeling than just executing my job,” Jackson said.

The Matadors go on the road for their last series of the regular season against Long Beach State on Friday, May 1, at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.