Clutch defense and consistent hitting allow the Long Beach State softball team to continue its terrific midseason run, this time in the San Diego Tournament.
The 49ers (23-9) returned to San Diego for their second tournament there in as many weeks. After winning four out of five in the San Diego Classic II, the 49ers took three out of four in the San Diego Tournament.
The 49ers, consistent and potent offensively all season, scored 23 runs over the four games.
Center fielder Leilani Tupua-Tautalatasi, who suffered a concussion earlier in the season, collected five hits over the weekend to go along with a game-clinching catch that ended a potential comeback by San Diego (15-15).
The 49ers would split their two games against San Jose State (17-13), dropping the second game of Saturday’s double-header 6-4.
The 49ers were without one of their top hitters, Ashlynn Booker, over the weekend. Booker, who suffered a concussion the previous weekend in the San Diego Classic II, wasn’t cleared in time to play. It’s still unknown when she’ll be available to participate in team activities.
The 49ers will now prepare for conference play, beginning with a series at UC Davis starting Saturday.