SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The UC Santa Barbara Softball team (28-23, 17-10 Big West) earned a needed win over CSUN in the series finale Saturday afternoon. With the win, the Gauchos still have a chance to earn the No. 3 seed in The Big West Championships next week in Fullerton, California. Malaya Johnson held the Matador offense at bay allowing just two hits in her complete game shutout.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
In the second inning, UC Santa Barbara took an early lead with a two-run homer by Elicia Acosta, who brought Ainsley Waddell home after a walk. This put UC Santa Barbara ahead 2–0. In the fourth inning, UC Santa Barbara extended their lead when Erin Mendoza singled to the pitcher, allowing Kaylin Garcia to score on an unearned run after reaching third due to a fielder's choice and a muffed throw by the shortstop, making it 3–0.
 
In the seventh inning, Jazzy Santos contributed with a solo home run to left field, giving the Gauchos some insurance as they headed to the bottom of the seventh up 4-0. The Matadors were held scoreless throughout the game, as UC Santa Barbara's defense limited them to just two hits and three runners left on base. The game concluded with UC Santa Barbara securing a 4–0 victory.
 
CHAMPIONSHIP IMPLICATIONS
With the win the Gauchos can still earn as high as the No. 3 seed in The Big West Championships. Santa Barbara is currently tied with CSUN in the standings, but the Matadors hold the tiebreaker over the Gauchos. Santa Barbara will wait for all games to conclude today before they know what seed they will be for The Big West Championships next week.
 
UP NEXT
The Gauchos will have to await the rest of the results around the conference today before they know exactly what seed they are locked into for The Big West Championships next week. The Championships will take place from May 7-10 on the campus of Cal State Fullerton.