RIVERSIDE, Calif. - Today's doubleheader between the University of California, Riverside (UCR) Highlanders and California Baptist University (CBU) Lancers completed the season's Crosstown Showdown series, ending with CBU taking two games to one from the Highlanders. 

In Game one, there was only a single CBU run scored through four innings. The Lancers put their first batters on base before pouring on the hits, which ultimately put the Lancers up five runs to increase their lead 6-0.  

Highlanders responded in the seventh inning with bases loaded and a bases-clearing double by #14 Maiah Motta that would cut the deficit down by 3. The comeback ultimately fell short, and Lancers were able to get the outs needed to secure the 6-3 victory. 

Game two saw UC Riverside put up some massive hits of their own in the bottom of the first inning. Six hits converted into five runs for the Highlanders who added two more runs in the second and fourth inning to give them a commanding 7-0 lead.  

However, California Baptist would not go down without a fight as they were able to put a run across in the sixth inning with the help of a throwing error by UCR. In the top of the seventh inning, the Lancers got three more runs across to cut the lead, 7-4. Coach Bristow put in #8 Briza Blanco to stop the Lancers from getting any more scores and securing the Highlanders first victory of the season. 

Head Coach Nikki Palmer commented, "It was really nice to see the team rally after the loss on Friday. The pitching and offense made some great adjustments from what they learned and they put in some really hard work to get where they were today. It was a good team win and created some great momentum heading into conference." She added, "Long Beach is going to be a tough team to play but we will be ready." 

Next up for the Highlanders is the start of Big West Conference play when they travel to Long Beach State University for a three-game series that begins on March 20 with first pitch scheduled for 1 pm.