ROHNERT PARK, Calif. – Out at Seawolf Softball Field for its first non-conference doubleheader of the season, Academy of Art softball flexed its muscles with sophomore infielder Haley Randall's two-run homer in the opening contest then sophomore pitcher Jolene Rhoades (0-6) delivered her best performance in the circle as part of a duel with Sonoma State's starter in the second game. Ultimately, the Seawolves prevailed 10-2 and 1-0 on the day.

GAME 1 – SSU 10, ART U 2 (6)
The Seawolves began by scoring three runs on three hits in the bottom of the first inning, but freshman pitcher Julia Jordan (0-5) was able to retire the side in order the very next inning, striking out the final two batters she faced each on three pitches.

After Sonoma State added two more in third, senior utility Alyssa Rasmussen bunted her way aboard to start the fourth before Randall stepped in and sent a 0-1 pitch beyond the outfield fence to put her team on the scoreboard. That strong swing of the bat was backed up by a double play and a popup as Jordan and the ART U defense shut down SSU in the frame that followed.

A 5-2 game became 7-2 after four more Seawolf hits in the fifth and, despite putting two on including a single by senior catcher/infielder Lauryn Henderson in the sixth, Sonoma State used a three-run sixth to secure the 10-2 win.

GAME 2 – SSU 1, ART U 0
The Urban Knights began game two with a leadoff walk to graduate student utility Nina Vallejos followed by Henderson reaching on an error in the first. Though it did not lead to a run, it set the tone for Academy of Art to put at least one runner on in each of the contest's seven innings.

Rhoades pitched around a hit and a walk while dramatically registering strikeouts in her final two batters faced en route to striking out the side. A two-out double led to trouble in the second when a single plated what would be the finale's lone run.

Rasmussen and junior catcher/utility Cassandra Mittman's were stranded after their singles in the second and third frames, but momentum toward a breakthrough as Rhoades retired four straight across the fourth and fifth innings. Randall doubled to start the sixth and reached third then another leadoff hit, this one a single from sophomore pitcher/infielder Katie Humphreys set the table in the seventh. SSU, however, would get consecutive outs despite the runners in scoring position and claimed the 1-0 win in the end.

Randall's bat led the way Wednesday as she went 3-for-6 with the homer, a double, two RBIs, and one run scored for Academy of Art who moves to 0-12 on the year. Rhoades ended up with one run allowed on seven hits with two walks and four strikeouts in 6.0 innings, her longest outing of the season thus far. Rasmussen added one hit in each contest along with one run scored and, despite seeing her streak of 26 straight games reaching base end earlier this year, Henderson now has a current reached base streak of seven games.

Now 7-2 overall, Sonoma State relied on offense from Jordyn Martinez and Giana Hays who combined to go 5-for-12 with six RBIs, a homer, a triple, four runs scored, and three stolen bases. Jessie DuPuis (3-0) picked up the game one victory with two runs allowed on four hits plus five strikeouts in 6.0 innings while Sarra finished her shutout with four hits allowed and four strikeouts in 7.0 innings of work.

The next time the Urban Knights take the field it will be for their home-opening doubleheader hosting Cal State Monterey Bay on Feb. 23 at Mission Blue Field.