Highlight-reel defense and a big second push San Mateo past Cosumnes River

Bakersfield, Calif. –  The College of San Mateo Bulldogs continue through the winners bracket of the 2026 3C2A Softball State Championships with a 7-2 win over Cosumnes River College on Friday at Bakersfield College.

HOW IT HAPPENED

It was highlight-reel plays, heads up baserunning and timely hitting for the Bulldogs, who put up a seven spot in the second to seal their victory early.

Cosumnes River got on the board first when Emily Azemar drove in a run on a sac fly in the first inning. Bulldogs' starting pitcher Lola Sierra navigated out of the frame after surrendering a single and pair of walks to load the bases with just one out.

After a three-up-three-down to open the game of San Mateo offensively, Hannah Ames got the rally started with a one-out, two-run double into the right-center field gap. Ames at bat came after ending the top of the second inning with a diving catch at second base. Ames' double started a streak of four-straight hits and five-straight Bulldogs reaching base.

Later in the inning, the Bulldogs capitalized on great base running, getting in a run down on two occasions that resulted in runs scoring – first Ames then Peyton Huber.

Cosumnes River battled at the plate, scoring a run with nobody out and an impending rally cooking in the fifth. However, a perfectly executed back-pick and eventual run down between second and third sent the Hawks' lead runner back to the dugout.

The Hawks mustered one final effort, loading the bases in the seventh inning, but an Imani Black fly ball was caught at the warning track in center field by Ale Phillips – who made a diving play, and was the final leg of the pivotal rundown in the fifth – to end the game.

STAND OUT PERFORMERS

• Sierra pitched her second complete game of the tournament, allowing just four hits while striking out five.

• Six Bulldogs had hits, and Love Cabanas was the only one with a multi-hit game

UP NEXT

San Mateo will take on the winner of Palomar and San Joaquin Delta following at 12 p.m. on Saturday. Cosumnes River must navigate through the losers bracket, taking on Saddleback at 5 p.m. tonight.