CSUSM softball is super
The top-seeded Cougars host Biola with a College World Series berth on the line, while CSUSM baseball’s postseason run comes to a close
SAN MARCOS — Super performances have led the California State University San Marcos softball team into the NCAA Division II Super Regional.
The No. 1-seeded Cougars (53-9) held off a scare from conference rival Cal State Dominguez Hills in the West Regional to punch their ticket to this weekend’s Super Regional, where a berth to the College World Series is on the line. CSUSM rolled through its first two games before CSDH forced a decisive game, but the Cougars worked a masterful 4-0 shutout in the clinching game to advance to the CWS for the second time since 2023.
The Cougars, who are ranked fourth nationally, host No. 6 seed Biola (41-21) at 3 p.m. on Thursday in San Marcos. The series is a best-of-three, with the winner advancing to Chattanooga, Tenn., for the double-elimination College World Series starting on May 28. CSUSM swept Biola in a two-game set on Feb. 13, along with a win in last year’s NCAA regional, but Cougars coach A.J. Robinson said his club isn’t overlooking their opponent.
“We’re focused on Biola,” he said. “I expect a much better series with them. We’re familiar with them. We play them every year. Really, just focusing on being ourselves. We’ve done that all year. Get after them on Thursday, and whatever happens on Thursday, we’ve got to come back and play good softball the next day. We’re prepared for a good series.”
Softball stays steady
After an opening 2-1 loss on Saturday, the Cougars held firm in the face of elimination against CSDH in the double-elimination tournament. Instead of buckling under pressure, CSUSM found solace in grad transfer pitcher Jordan Hill and a clutch relief outing from freshman Daleah Cardenas.
While the two pitchers combined for the shutout, it was super senior Jill Albayati who ignited the offense in the clincher. She launched a solo home run in the first inning and finished 2-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI. Freshman catcher Angelina Rodriguez followed with one of her strongest performances of the regional, going 3-for-3 with two RBIs, including a two-run single in the third inning to help break the game open.
The Cougars seized control in the third after Albayati reached base and sophomore Rae D’Amato doubled to put two runners in scoring position. Senior Czar Fleischman delivered an RBI single, and Rodriguez drove in two runs to extend the lead to 4-0.
“It was a great feeling, and there was never a doubt we were going to win the game,” Elias said. “We played great that second game. Jill’s awesome, and her doing that just got us going.”
