Box Score HAYWARD – The Coyotes ran into a team that used the long ball in a 6-3 loss to host Cal State East Bay in the teams' CCAA softball opener Friday afternoon.
 
CSUEB received five solo home runs from five different Pioneers and that provided the impetus for the CSUSB defeat.
 
The Coyotes grabbed a 1-0 lead in the first inning, courtesy of a sacrifice fly by Mary Menicucci that drove in Alyssa Ramos, who reached base on a one-out single to left.
 
Down 4-1 through three innings, the Coyotes climbed back with a two-run, fourth inning. Singles by Melissa Roberts and Darian Manuz sandwiched around a sac bunt by Summer Smith threatened the Pioneers.
 
After a pop out by Thalia Ortiz, Ramos ripped a two-out, two-run double to right to cut the deficit to 4-3.
 
But CSUEB answered with a solo shot Alex Vela in the fourth and one from Kelsey La Vaute in the sixth.
 
Ramos had two hits, along with Victoria Lievanos, Cassandra Williams and Roberts.

Game 2: Cal State East Bay 1, Coyotes 1

Junior RHP Stephanie Luhman threw a two-hitter, but one of the hits was a solo home run by Jayne McDonald and that was the difference maker.

Luhman took the unfairest of losses with a complete game. She had six strikeouts with two walks.

McDonald connected on her homer in the fourth inning.

Menicucci had  a double for the Coyotes (25-19, 12-14 CCAA).

The teams conclude their weekend series at 11 a.m. Saturday.