TURLOCK, Calif- Just one hour after being shut out by Grand Canyon, 5-0, Sonoma State bounced back and exploded for seven runs in the third inning and three more in the fourth to defeat CCAA-rival Cal State Stanislaus 11-3, salvaging a split on opening day of the Best of the West Invitational at Turlock. As the Seawolves start the 2010 season 1-1, the Warriors also split on Friday, moving their record to 1-2-1.

In the nightcap, Cal State Stanislaus drew first blood in the top of the second inning when Jennifer Arnold smashed a home run to left center field off of Seawolves starting pitcher Samantha Lipperd in her collegiate debut. Sonoma State got even with the Warriors in the next at bat when Danielle D'Eccliss scored Jesse Talaugon from second base on a single to left field.

After holding Cal State Stanislaus scoreless in the top of the third, the Seawolves unleashed their offense, going off for seven runs on eight hits, including two home runs -- one by Kayla Ledford to lead off the inning and the other by Rochelle Vanyi -- as well as two doubles. SSU had the bases loaded with two outs in the inning but a groundout ended the Seawolves chance to put more runs on the scoreboard.

In the next offensive inning, Skylynn Myers got in on the home run party and hit one out to left center field, giving the Seawolves a healthy 9-1 lead. Three batters later, Simone Brandalise smacked a towering shot to deep center field, clearing the outfield wall for Sonoma State's fourth home run of the ball game.

Cal State Stanislaus wouldn't go away, though. Sarah Locarnini came up with the bases loaded and two outs, poking a single down the left field line that scored two runs, but she was thrown out trying to advance to second base on the throw to the plate, ending the game under the eight-run rule.

Brandalise led the offense with three hits, Myers and Ledford had added two hits. Myers had four RBIs. Lipperd pitched the complete game, scattering six hits and surrendering the three runs.

In the 2010 season opener, Sonoma State couldn't overcome the pitching of Ivy Campus who shut down the Seawolves, allowing just four hits in her complete game effort. Four different Sonoma State players got hits -- D'Eccliss, Ledford, Brittany Martinez and Ashley Britton.

Sonoma State will take the field twice tomorrow, taking on San Francisco State (11 a.m.) and Central Washington (1:15 p.m.) in day two of the Best of the West Invitational, hosted by Cal State Stanislaus.

Box Scores

Game one: Grand Canyon 5, Sonoma State 0
Game two: Sonoma State 11, Cal State Stanislaus 3 (F/5)