The win-loss column will not tell the whole story of how the Colorado State softball team began its season. The Rams lost all five games of the Aggie Classic hosted by Texas A&M over the weekend but nearly upset No. 7 UCLA Friday, and went to extra innings with Wichita State Saturday.
The season began with a 3-0 loss to Wichita State. CSU ace Holly Reinke pitched all seven innings and gave up just two earned runs. But, the Rams were unable to muster any hitting, leaving runners on base multiple times, leading to the shutout.
They responded in the second game of the doubleheader by taking a 4-1 lead over No. 7 UCLA. However, the Bruins poured in five runs in the bottom of the fifth inning, and held on to win 6-5.
In the first game of another doubleheader Saturday, the Rams had 14 hits and put up eight runs against Wichita State, but it was not enough. The Shockers won 9-8 in extra innings.
Texas A&M was not as kind to the Rams’ hitters in the second game of the day though. CSU was shut out for the second time in two days, this time losing 3-0 to the Aggies. Despite recording the loss, Reinke delivered another solid performance on the mound, striking out six batters in as many innings.
CSU wrapped up Sunday, falling again to No. 7 UCLA, this time by a score of 8-3. Next up for CSU is the UNLV Tournament, which begins Friday. The Rams’ first home game will come March 1 when they host the University of Northern Colorado.
Collegian Sports Desk can be reached at sports@collegian.com.