Riverside, Calif.— The UC Riverside Softball Team (18-7) won its third straight game of the UCR Classic defating Columbia (3-8) 9-5 Saturday afternoon.

Pitcher Tayler Misfeldt got the start against the Lions and grabbed her 11th win of the season as she threw five innings and did not allow any earned runs. The senior collected three strikeouts in the game and Columbia only managed to score two runs while she was in the circle.

The Highlanders got going early offensively as junior Brittney Garcia smacked her second homerun of the tournament as she hit a three-run shot over the center field wall.

The Lions would add a run of their own in the top of the 4th to cut the lead to 3-1, but UCR's bats would come alive again in the bottom of the 5th.

Sophomore Karter Williams got the inning started with a stand up triple as the lead-off batter. Senior Jenna Curtan would join her on base reaching on a fielder's choice and then stealing 2nd to put two Highlanders in scoring position. Both runners would reach home thanks to a 2 RBI double to the center field wall by freshman Seanna Garewal. Sophomore Emma Ramelot would add a double of her own to drive in Garewal and give UCR a 6-1 lead.

Columbia would cut the lead again in the 6th, scoring one run, but the Highlanders would answer right back with another ball hit over the outfield fence. With a runner on base, Curtan smacked a homer to right-center to put UCR up 8-2. The team would cap off its scoring efforts just a few plays later as sophomore Sarah Parten doubled to score Hannah Rodriguez from 1st base, making the score 9-2.

The Lions would threaten with another three runs in the final inning, but their efforts would fall short giving UC Riverside the victory.

The Highlanders are back in action tomorrow at 2:00 PM as they host Colgate for the final day of the UCR Classic.