Fresno State softball swept all five teams in the last tournament of the season after hosting the Bulldog Classic.

The Bulldogs competed against Brigham Young University (BYU), East Carolina University (ECU), North Dakota State University (NDSU) and UC Davis during the five-game tournament and swept all five games, staying undefeated at Margie Wright Diamond (15-0).

Here are the four takeaways from the Bulldog Classic:

#RudyStrong

The Bulldogs returned home for the first time since the death of senior Kelcey Carrasco’s father, Rudy Carrasco.­

Heaven gained an Angel 😇 Senior Kelcey Carrasco’s father Rudy, was killed in a tragic car accident weds His vibrant spirit & unwavering support will be greatly missed. By far one of the BEST #GirlDads Please keep this family & program in your thoughts & prayers 🙏🏻#RudyStrong pic.twitter.com/EbLTEjQ5mv

— Fresno State Softball (@FresnoStateSB) February 28, 2020

The Bulldogs honored Carrasco’s father as they donned patches with the initials “RC” on their visors and helmets. Along with the patches, the scoreboard at Margie Wright Diamond displayed the hashtag “RudyStrong” all weekend long.

Being out of action since her father’s death, Kelcey Carrasco returned to the lineup as the starting catcher against NDSU on Friday night. She went 1-for-2 with a single to left field and was hit by a pitch.

Protect the Doghouse

Fresno State was 10-0 coming into the Bulldog Classic. However, the Bulldogs’ record was threatened as the bullpen was put to the test. 

Against ECU, Bulldogs’ freshman Dariana Orme threw all seven innings and picked up her fourth victory of the season. The Fresno State Bulldogs defeated the East Carolina Pirates, 8-5.

In the first game against NDSU, Danielle Lung pitched only 1.2 innings and was subbed out for Danielle East. 

East had come into the game with the NDSU Bison up 5-4. She held the Bison scoreless up until the seventh inning, and the ‘Dogs beat the Bison, 6-5. 

On Saturday, the Bulldogs tried repeating the same pitching rotation they had used to win Friday’s game. Lung couldn’t make it to the second inning, East came in as relief, and Dolcini closed the game out. The ‘Dogs only allowed two more runs after the second as they won, 8-7.

Dolcini then took the circle one more time and pitched a complete game against UC Davis. She picked up her 10th win and threw 14 strikeouts as the ‘Dogs beat the Aggies, 3-2.

The explosive offense isn’t slowing down

The nation’s leading team in triples (23) is showing no signs of slowing down. 

Fresno State started the Bulldog Classic by exploding on BYU, eight-run ruling them in five innings. Senior Miranda Rohleder went 7-for-16 in the tournament, scoring 10 RBIs with a home run and two triples.

Bulldogs’ sophomore McKenzie Wilson showed off her speed, earning her 26th steal on the season as well as her first home run, hitting it inside the park.

Fresno State senior Hayleigh Galvan ignited the comeback against NDSU as she hit a solo home run in the sixth inning. This was also her first home run on the year. 

Fresno State’s leader in home runs, senior Schuylar Broussard, tacked on yet another homer on the season. Broussard hit a three-run shot ”” her sixth on the year ”” to put the ‘Dogs on the board against the UC Davis Aggies.

The Bulldogs posted a .296 batting average and a .505 slugging mark.

Everything is clicking except for one part

Fresno State softball has been dominating in its pitching and hitting game, but there is one part of the team that Bulldogs’ head coach Linda Garza hopes to clean up before conference play. 

“I expect us to make routine plays on defense because we are better at it. We make those plays in practice,” said Garza following Friday night’s doubleheader. “We have the lead, and sometimes we’re just being a little too aggressive with certain plays. I would like us to do a better job of understanding situations and making better decisions. ” 

The Bulldogs committed five errors during the Bulldog Classic. This season as a whole, the team has committed 21 errors.

If the ‘Dogs want to continue their run, they must make smart fielding decisions.

🎥: Post game interview with @Schuylar_8 ! @TheCollegian #GoDogs pic.twitter.com/WJlES0dHIa

— Marc Anthony Lopez (@KaptainMarc) March 8, 2020