RIVERSIDE, Calif.— Saturday afternoon the UC Riverside Softball Team (29-20, 6-9) took a 2-1 series win over Hawai'i (21-23, 5-10) defeating the Rainbow Wahine 1-0 and 10-2 in an exciting doubleheader. The Highlanders shutout the visiting Rainbow Wahine in game two of the series and run-ruled the team in five innings on a walk-off triple in the final matchup to take their first ever series over this BIg West opponent.
"The team was really fired up Today after our performance on Friday," Head Coach Nikki Palmer said. "I was really proud to see them stand up and punch back. Everyone helped us win Today whether they got a hit or not."
GAME TWO
Senior Tayler Misfeldt (15-0) got the start in the first game of the doubleheader and did not disappoint tossing a complete game shutout with eight strikeouts to ensure a Highlander victory. Misfeldt only allowed three hits by Hawai'i to grab her 15th win of the season and extend her all-time program record to 52 career wins.
"Tayler did a great job for us Today," Palmer said. "She set her mind right when she came out and we knew she was going to attack."
The only run of the game came in the bottom of the 3rd inning as freshman Seanna Garewal lead-off with a double to right center and was brought in on a two-out RBI double by junior Hannah Rodriguez. Behind some gritty defense and excellent pitching, the Highlanders held on to their 1-0 lead to take game two of the overall series.
The Rainbow Wahine had no answer for Rodriguez as the UCR shortstop went 3-for-3 with a double and the game-winning RBI.
GAME THREE
The final game of the weekend was an offensive showcase as UCR put on a hitting clinic, registering 10 runs off of 12 hits, and ending the game in walk-off fashion. Junior Amanda Lynch had a strong offensive outing for the Highlanders going 2-for-3 with three RBI.
The Highlanders got on the board in the bottom of the 1st getting four hits to take a 3-0 lead. Hannah Rodriguez began a two out rally with a double that was followed by two RBI from sophomores Emma Ramelot and Sarah Parten. Lynch knocked in the final run of the inning on a single to give the team its third run. UCR would add another in the 2nd on an RBI single from sophomore Danielle Ortega to go up 4-0.
Hawai'i added its only runs of the day in the top of the 3rd scoring two to cut the lead in half.
A six-run 5th inning secured the game and the series for the Highlanders as they run-ruled the Rainbow Wahine on a walk-off triple. Senior Jenae Lockwood brought in the first two runs on a pinch-hit single and Lynch added two more making the score 8-2 in UCR's favor. With two on and one out, Seanna Garewal stepped to the plate and ripped her 4th triple of the year to drive in two runs and earn the walk-off victory for the Highlanders.
On the defensive end, freshman Hailey Dolcini tossed five solid innings allowing just two runs and five hits, while striking out five.
Ramelot and Rodriguez were true offensive forces for UCR on Saturday as the sophomore third baseman went 4-for-5 with two runs, an RBI, and a walk and the junior shortstop went 5-for-6 with two runs, an RBI, and some impeccable defensive plays.
"Emma and Hannah have been grinding in and out of practice so it was not surprising to see them play so well," said Palmer. "They were tremendous Today and I was happy to see all of their work come to fruition. "
The Highlanders will remain home for next weekend's series as UCR welcomes UC Santa Barbara to Amy S. Harrison Field. Saturday will be the first day of competition as the two teams will play a doubleheader beginning at 1:00 PM. The series with the Gauchos also marks Senior Weekend as UCR will recognize the graduating class of 2018, who will compete in their final series at Amy S. Harrison.
