Riverside–In the first set of games in the 2017 Highlander Classic, the UC Riverside Softball Team earn a sweep of UT Martin Thursday at Amy S. Harrison Field.

The Highlanders held on for a 6-4 victory in the first game of the day against the Skyhawks. UCR began the scoring with four runs in the second on six hits in an inning that saw Brittney Garcia (1), Maddy Richard (1), and Haley Harris (2) drive in runs. Although they batted around and six hits, the inning ended with the bases loaded.

UT Martin got on the board in the fourth on a solo shot by Renate Meckl. The Highlanders answered with two of their own in the fourth and appeared to be in full control of the game, 6-1.

In the top of fifth, the Skyhawks plated three runs to tighten up the game, 6-4. UCR starter Tayler Misfeldt was relieved by Anessa Cepeda in the middle of the inning. Cepeda would allow just one-hit over her 2.1 innings of her work, and turn the ball over to Haley Marschall for the final out of the game and the save.

In the second game of the day, UCR outslugged UT Martin 8-4.

The Skyhawks would get the a run across in the top of the first on a bases loaded walk. In the home half of the inning, The Highlanders responded with three runs. Hannah Rodriguez had an RBI single in the inning, while the others came across via UT Martin miscues.

After getting one run in the third, UT Martin also two in fourth frame to take a 4-3 lead. UCR retook the lead thanks to five-run inning topped off by Harris' bases clearing double.

8-4 would be the final score as Marschall was credited with the win after three innings, and Misfled's tour scoreless innings in extended relief.

The UC Riverside Softball Team resumes play in the Highlander Classic on Saturday in an afternoon affair with Maryland at 2 pm PT.