College Sports that Entertain

Courtesy of Mark Nessia Photography CSUB

Although Bakersfield has been regarded as having minimal entertainment, many can find themselves entertained by the many competitive sports teams this city has to offer. This includes sports at the college level. Many enjoy the environment and the excitement that comes with watching college level athletics. California State University, Bakersfield has several athletic teams to support and one of the many teams include the CSUB Roadrunners softball team to name a few.

On Saturday, Amber Mills a CSUB freshman pitcher tossed a two hit shut out to lead the Runners to a victory over the University of San Diego. Although CSUB lost the first game of the double header, Mills was able to make up for the last game with a 2-0 victory. Mills also pitched a no hitter through five innings which was a great contribution for CSUB.

“In Game 1, CSUB jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the second inning when junior first baseman Ricciardi led off with a single and freshman right fielder Sydney Raeber (Hanford, Calif., Hanford HS) followed with a double to put runners at second and third with no outs. Sophomore catcher Ashley Carter then drew a walk, after battling through an 11-pitch at bat, to load the bases. Using her speed as a slap hitter, junior left fielder Karissa Veiga (Hemet, Calif., Hemet HS) reached on an infield single, advancing all the runners and scoring Ricciardi. Redshirt senior center fielder Laura King (Camarillo, Calif., UNLV) then drew a bases-loaded walk to plate Raeber before USD got out of the inning” (CSUB Athletic Communications).

“In Game 2, the ‘Runners (12-24, 7-7 PCSC) jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning when junior shortstop Shay Fryer (San Diego, Calif., University HS) led off with a single and then was advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by sophomore third baseman Madison Bundy (Anacortes, Wash., Oregon State). Junior first baseman Amy Ricciardi (Chino Hills, Calif., Ayala HS) then hit an RBI single to plate Fryer. Mills then hit a double, but was left on base with Ricciardi. CSUB added to its lead in the fifth when sophomore second baseman Adrianna Cardoza (Santa Anna, Calif., La Quinta HS) led off with a double, her third two-baser of the day, and came around to score on a single by King to put the ‘Runners up 2-0” (CSUB Athletic Communications).

Their current record is 13-25 overall. Mills a freshman is a highly regarded player to look out for. Although she is only a freshman pitcher, she continues to play at a mature level for the Runners and is a much needed asset for the season. With the help of fellow teammates, Shay Fryer, Madison Bundy, Amy Ricciardi, and Adriana Cardoza, CSUB was able to pull off the win to make up for the first loss of the double header on Saturday. With the many teams to keep up with in Bakersfield, it is easy to stay entertained if your a sports enthusiast and are looking to support the local talent. The next softball game is set for Tuesday April 16th, at CSUB against Hawaii, who is ranked 22nd overall.