The article below originally appeared in the San Mateo Daily Journal and is being reprinted with permission.

The supposed showdown in women’s college softball atop the Coast Conference North Division turned out to be anything but that.

As it stands, by virtue of its 10-0 shelling of Foothill College, the College of San Mateo softball team now has an anaconda-like grip on the division’s top spot — with four games to play, the Bulldog lead is 3 1/2 games (on De Anza College) and four on the Owls.

Michelle Pilster was sensational in the circle for the Bulldogs. The CSM ace and reigning California Community College Athletic Association’s Pitcher of the Year went six innings allowing just one hit and zero runs. Amelia Shales pitched a perfect ninth — this after shutting down Chabot College a couple of days earlier in a five-inning mercy rule victory.

Jenn Davidson and Kaylin Stewart had big offensive days for the Bulldogs — both went 2-for-4 from the plate and drove in three runs. Selina Rodriguez, formerly of El Camino High School in South San Francisco, also had a multi-hit game including a triple.

CSM jumped all over Foothill in the early part of the game. They scored a run in the first and added four more in the second. The Bulldogs sprinkled in runs during the third and sixth before leaving absolutely no doubt with a three-run seventh. In all, CSM tallied 11 hits and drew four walks.

Jamie Navarro went deep for CSM. The former Capuchino Mustang now was four on the season with 35 runs batted in and is hitting a robust .437.

Pilster picked up her state-leading 23rd win.