DAVIS, Calif. — An early three-run homer from Janae Combs and a pair of dynamic pitching performances powered San Diego softball (1-1, 0-0 WCC) to a 5-0 shutout victory over Cal Poly (0-2, 0-0 Big West) on Friday afternoon, earning the Toreros their first win of 2026 as they took game two of a five-game weekend at the NorCal Kickoff at La Rue Field. 

USD got off to a quick start when Taylor Johnson kicked off the top of the second inning with a lead-off double, just before Hailey Mulligan reached first base on a hit-by-pitch. Combs then drove in both runners with a three run homer to center field giving her team an early 3-0 lead. 

That was enough cushion for Kaitlyn Bartlow to continue her momentum in the circle, as she finished with five scoreless innings, giving up just two hits. 

Shawnese Hogue-Lacy singled up the middle in the following frame, driving in Kaylee Oh who reached on a walk and stole second base to get into scoring position. 

Liliana Esparza — one of four total freshmen who made their college debuts on Friday — drove in the fifth and final run of the game for USD with an RBI single to right-center that plated Emily Taylor. 

After beginning the game by throwing five scoreless innings, Bartlow then passed the torch to Alex Riggs, who closed out the game in the circle by tossing two scoreless innings of her own, while striking out two batters. 

Abrielle Diaz and Seleny Chavez made their collegiate debuts starting at third base and second base, respectively. Ava Rojas and Esparza also played in their first college game, entering the game later as pinch hitters. 

The Toreros will be back in action tomorrow morning, when they resume play at the NorCal invitational by taking on Colorado State at La Rue field. First pitch is scheduled for 9:30 a.m., before rematching with UC Davis immediately following the conclusion of their game with Colorado State.