The Fresno State softball team lost last night 1-0 to the Huston Cougars, but it wasn̢۪t due to lack of enthusiasm from the fans.

With each Fresno State at bat, the crowd rumbled with applause, scattered whistles, and an occasional whoop or whoo hoo. They fell almost silent as each batter stepped up to the plate.

After a foul ball came over the backstop, people ducked and dodged the falling green ball; a high-pitched yelp came from a child near the empty seat it bounced off. A man in the row in front turned around and grabbed the ball with one hand and secured it safely under his armpit in a single swift move.

The crowd cheered in delight.

Richard and Claire Nielsen have been going to the games since the stadium opened and go to as many as possible each season.

“I only go when the weather is good,â€Â Claire Nielsen said, “but [Richard] comes to almost every game.â€Â

In between innings people tapped their feet and danced in their seats to songs like “R.O.C.K. in the USAâ€Â and “We Will Rock Youâ€Â as they chatted with those around them.

One fan picks up a megaphone and asks the crowd for just one “GO BULLDOGS!â€Â as the teams take the field once again. The rest of the crowd complies with great fervor.

When Ashley White hit a ball high into left field, fans began to encourage the ball to “go further,â€Â “come onâ€Â or “get out of here.â€Â When it fell into the glove of the left fielder, one frustrated fan coached from the stands and yelled out “ Don’t hit it to the fielders, hit it between them!â€Â The rest of the crowd grumbled and moaned at the lost glimpse of home run.

They were right back to their chanting and cheering as the next batter approached the plate.

The Nielsen̢۪s said they like the atmosphere and excitement in the stands, as well as on the field.

“The girls are enthusiastic, good, and I really like their attitudes,â€Â Richard Nielsen said.

After nine innings with no runs, the crowd was distraught when Huston scored a run in the top of the 10th.

Their encouragement became louder and even more persistent as the Bulldogs went up to bat.

Horns blared over the speakers and fans yelled “CHARGEâ€Â as the word appeared on the scoreboard.

People were at the edge of their seats as each pitch was thrown. Even with the loss, the fans left the stadium in good spirits, saying the girls “put up a good fight.â€Â