HAYWARD, Calif. - The Cal State East Bay softball team kicked off their home opening doubleheader in style, sweeping Academy of Art on Friday at Pioneer Softball Field. The Pioneers secured a 7-2 victory in the first game before clinching a thrilling 2-1 walk-off win in the second game and remain undefeated in 2025. The Pioneers' 7-0 start marks the best opening to a season since joining the CCAA, showcasing the team's potential for a standout year. 
 

Game One: Cal State East Bay 7, Academy of Art 2
The Pioneers wasted no time asserting their dominance in the opener. In the bottom of the second inning, East Bay capitalized on an Urban Knights' defensive miscue. With Jenna Porto and Jeslyn Cuellar on base, Ysabella Cortez's bunt turned into a golden opportunity as both runners crossed the plate, giving the Pioneers a 2-0 lead. Ashlee Toy then stepped up to the plate and delivered an RBI single, extending the advantage to 3-0.

The fourth inning saw the Pioneers break the game wide open. Gabriela Rivera ignited the rally with a leadoff single, followed by a display of patience at the plate as four consecutive walks pushed the lead to 5-0. The onslaught continued with Marissa Farias' sacrifice fly and a clutch pinch-hit RBI single from Luda Gumataotao, ballooning the score to 7-0.

Although Academy of Art managed to plate a pair of runs in the top of the sixth, it was too little, too late. The Pioneers' early offensive explosion and solid pitching secured the 7-2 victory to open the doubleheader.

Marissa Quintero dominated the circle in game one, tossing four scoreless innings with six strikeouts for her third win of the season.

Kamerynn Cordova made an impressive Pioneer debut, securing a three-inning save in the opener.

Game Two: Cal State East Bay 2, Academy of Art 1
The second game proved to be a nail-biter, showcasing the Pioneers' ability to perform under pressure. Academy of Art struck first in the top of the second inning when Danielle Shinko laced an RBI double, giving the Urban Knights a 1-0 edge.

Cal State East Bay's response came swiftly in the bottom of the third. Annelise Garcia stepped up to the plate and launched her first home run of the season, a solo shot that knotted the game at 1-1. The deadlock persisted through the next three innings, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

In the bottom of the seventh, with the game hanging in the balance, Garcia once again rose to the occasion. The standout performer legged out an infield single, putting the winning run on base. Cynthia Carrillo then stepped into the batter's box, eyeing the opportunity to play hero. With one mighty swing, Carrillo hit a triple, driving in Garcia for the walk-off victory and completing the doubleheader sweep.

Ashlee Toy continued her stellar start to the season, moving to 3-0 as a pitcher after a clutch relief appearance in game two.
 

• Cuellar and Rivera each had a pair of hits in game one.
• Annelise Garcia was a force at the plate in game two, going 3-for-4 with a crucial home run.
• Cynthia Carrillo delivered in the clutch, finishing 2-for-3 in the nightcap, including the walk-off triple.
• Toy stands alone in the CCAA as the only pitcher with 10-plus innings pitched and zero runs allowed.

Cal State East Bay: 7-0
Academy of Art: 0-6
 

The Pioneers will look to build on their fantastic start to the season as they face a quick turnaround. Cal State East Bay hosts Menlo for another doubleheader on Saturday, February 8, at Pioneer Softball Field in Hayward, California. First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m.