Riverside–The UC Riverside Softball Team plated four runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to win, 9-1, against Iona in the Highlander Classic finale Sunday.

The Gaels scored the game's first run in the top of the first. The Highlanders responded with two in the home half of the inning on RBIs from Sarah Parten and Brittney Garcia that scored Haley Harris and Jenae Lockwood.

Iona threatened in the second with runners at the corners, but catcher Chelsey Holley fired a bullet to Harris at second to get the runner attempting to steal second for the third out of the inning.

With two on in the third, Jenna Curtan laid down a bunt that flirted with going foul, but stayed fair in front the onlooking third baseman to load the bases. Holley then stepped in and delivered a single to right scoring two runs.

Stephanie Tickemyer then drove in Curtan to make it a 5-1 UCR advantage when the third ended.

Haley Marshall settled in down after allowing a run in the first to finish four, and allow just three hits before giving way to Anissa Cepeda in the top of the fifth.

In the bottom of the fifth, UCR put up four runs to end the game via the mercy thanks to a Haley Harris bases loaded walk coupled with a Parten two-run single, and throwing error on the right fielder that allowed Tickemyer to score the decisive ninth run.

Marschall got the win to run her record to 4-4 on the year. Parten finished with three RBIs, Garcia went 2-3, drove in a run and scored one, and Holley knocked in two in the victory.

The Highlanders and Gaels will meet again Tuesday at 11:30 am on Amy S. Harrison Field.