SAN FRANCISCO – No. 3-ranked Humboldt State softball took two from SF State Friday and captured the 2016 California Collegiate Athletic Association Championship and the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament held in Turlock, Calif., April 29-May 1.
 
"This is what we set out to do from the first day of practice," said Head Coach Shelli Sarchett. "These girls have worked hard from day one, and I am so proud of what they have done so far."
 
The Lumberjacks extended their winning streak to 16 straight and moved to 41-3-1 overall and 30-2 in CCAA play. With eight games remaining on the regular season schedule, HSU is one win shy of matching last season's total.
 
HSU aims to complete the series sweep versus SF State on Saturday. Game one of the doubleheader begins at 11 a.m.
 
GAME ONE
(Humboldt State 3, SF State 0 – 12 Innings)
 
The series opening game was a pitcher's duel between Katie Obbema and Gators ace Megan Clark. Each pitcher was dominant through seven innings and the game wasn't settled until the 12th.
 
"I think what we learned today is that anybody can hang with you if you let them," said Sarchett." I have to give credit to their pitcher. What we have to do tomorrow is think about swinging at quality pitches and not let her take us out of our game. I also have to give tons of credit to Katie. She really threw a great game today and kept us in the ballgame until the end."
 
Cyndi Chavez walked to open the last frame and came home two batters later on a Darian Harris single and an error in centerfield. Kalyn Paque and Julie Pena drove in the final two runs with two outs.
 
Obbema limited the Gators to five hits in the 12-inning contest. She matched a career-best with 11 strikeouts and walked only one opposing batter. The senior improved her record to 19-2.
 
GAME TWO
(Humboldt State 7, SF State 0)
 
Unlike the opener, the Jacks scored early and often in game two.
 
HSU plated two runs in the first and a run in the second, third and fourth innings to lead 5-0 into the fifth.
 
Five Green and Gold batters had multi-hit outings in the nightcap, including Tiffany Hollingsworth who finished the game 2-for-4 with four RBI. She was responsible for the game's final two runs in the sixth and seventh innings.
 
Madison Williams became the CCAA's first pitcher with 20 wins as she held the Gators to just three hits in the complete game shutout. The Brentwood, Calif., native faced 25 batters and threw only 59 pitches, despite recording seven strikeouts.
 
"I am really proud of both our pitchers," said Sarchett. "They have done well all year, and they have kept us in every ballgame. Maddie has really blossomed this year and is throwing with tons of confidence and conviction. I am really proud to have two of the strongest pitchers on my side."