SDSU softball takes conference crown, moves on to Los Angeles Regional

On what felt more like a summer day, the San Diego State University softball team came up with a sweep of league foe Fresno State last Saturday afternoon, securing itself a trip to the NCAA Tournament.

The pair of 3-1 victories over the Bulldogs gave the home team what it needed to clinch its 12th Mountain West Conference crown. After winning a pair of elimination games the day before, the Aztecs (37-17) used stellar pitching and timely hitting to secure the conference crown.

Catcher Cali Decker looks to take a swing.

SDSU pitcher CeCe Cellura (winning pitcher in both games) captured tournament MVP honors, while Cali Decker, Bella Espinoza, and Julie Holcomb also made the all-tournament team.

SDSU players take to the field to celebrate after winning the MWC title. (Photos by Dave Thomas)

SDSU now heads up the interstate later this week to play in the NCAA Los Angeles Regional against Arizona State. That game will be the nightcap of a Friday pair of games at Easton Stadium (7 p.m., ESPN 2). In the opener, host UCLA will battle UC Santa Barbara. The Los Angeles Regional (double elimination) goes through Sunday.

The winner of the Los Angeles Regional will move on to face the winner of the Columbia (South Carolina) Regional in the Super Regionals.