Henderson, NV - The College of Southern Nevada Coyotes faced a challenging opponent in Utah State Eastern in their third game of the 2025 Coyote Kickoff Classic. Despite a valiant effort, the Coyotes fell short by a single run, with the final scoreboard reading 7-6 in favor of Utah State Eastern. This game was a true test of resilience and showcased the competitive spirit of the CSN softball team.

The game started off as a pitcher's duel, with both teams held scoreless in the first inning. It wasn't until the bottom of the second inning that CSN broke through. A strategic sacrifice bunt by Justice  Lavin moved runners into scoring position, which was capitalized on by Marlene Saldate who drove in two runs with a sharp single down the left field line, giving CSN an early 2-0 lead.

CSN extended their lead in the third inning. Athena Tonga'onevai showing patience at the plate, walked and eventually scored thanks to a clutch single by Justice Lavin, pushing the score to 3-0. The team's momentum, however, faced a hurdle in the fourth inning when Utah State Eastern rallied back, plating three runs to even the score. This included a triple by Ellie Nielsen and a sacrifice fly by Lauryn Hall that contributed significantly to their comeback.

The fifth inning saw Utah State Eastern take a decisive lead with four more runs, highlighted by a double from Madi Shama that drove in two runs, followed by strategic hitting that allowed them to stretch their lead to 7-3. This inning was particularly tough for CSN's pitching staff, with Bryn Connors and Blakelee Christian struggling to contain the surging Utah State Eastern lineup.

Refusing to go down without a fight, CSN mounted a comeback in the bottom of the sixth inning. Camryn Hunkins and Mariela Rodriguez set the table with singles, and Athena Tonga'onevai delivered a crucial 2-RBI single up the middle, narrowing the gap to 7-5. This rally showcased CSN's tenacity and ability to capitalize under pressure.

In a nail-biting final frame, CSN added another run to bring the score to 7-6. Destinee Lopez, pinch-hitting for Marlene Saldate, worked a walk to load the bases. A sacrifice fly by Chloe Makinney brought in a run, but the Coyotes were unable to push across the tying run, leaving the potential tying run stranded on base as the game concluded.

Throughout the game, CSN demonstrated a strong offensive showing with nine hits and six walks, proving their ability to get on base and create scoring opportunities. However, defensive missteps and a couple of critical errors allowed Utah State Eastern to capitalize on extra opportunities.

The pitching rotation for CSN saw Bryn Connors start the game, followed by relief appearances from Blakelee Christian, London Lamb, and Mckenna Cahoon, who collectively struggled to fully stifle Utah State Eastern's hitters. Despite the pitching challenges, CSN's defense made several key plays to keep the game within reach.

This game was a roller-coaster of emotions for CSN, filled with promising rallies and tough lessons. The close loss serves as a motivation for the Coyotes as they look to refine their strategy and execution in upcoming games. The team's resilience and competitive fire were evident, as they fought until the last out.

Looking ahead, the Coyotes remain determined to improve and build upon their performances. The lessons learned from this close encounter will be crucial as they continue their journey through the season. With continued focus on tightening their defense and capitalizing on scoring opportunities, CSN is poised to turn these close losses into wins in future matchups.

This game against Utah State Eastern was a testament to the Coyotes' fighting spirit and their ability to compete against tough opposition. As they progress through the 2025 Coyote Kickoff Classic, the team remains optimistic and driven, ready to face their next challenge with determination and the desire to emerge victorious.