RIVERSIDE, Calif. - The University of California, Riverside (UCR) softball team hosted Dixie State University (DSU) at Amy S. Harrison Field for a nonconference doubleheader on Friday, March 5. The Trailblazers took both games from the Highlanders, winning 9-3 and 13-0. 

In game one, both teams came out with great defensive effort and solid pitching. After several scoreless innings, in the top of the fourth, Dixie State broke through first with an RBI triple by Malory Eldredge. Shortly after, a pitching change from the Highlanders put Megan Casper on the mound to replace starter Chrys Hildebrand. Casper threw a wild pitch that brought Eldredge across home plate and gave the Trailblazers the 2-0 lead.

The Highlanders answered back in the bottom of the fourth inning, with Gigi Araki scoring one run off an error. UCR nearly tied the game at two, but Leah Brito was thrown out at home to end the inning. Maiah Motta took the plate in the fifth inning and hit a two-run single to center field, putting the Highlanders in the lead 3-2.

Dixie State offense lit up in the sixth as they scored five runs, followed by 2 more runs in the seventh that would seal the 9-3 victory in favor of the Trailblazers.  

In game two, DSU offense proved to be too much as the Trailblazers came out scoring five runs in the first three innings while holding the Highlanders scoreless. Dixie State poured it on in the seventh inning, adding eight runs through multiple Highlander pitching changes to secure a decisive 13-0 win.

Next up for the Highlanders is hosting the final game in the series against Dixie State on March 6 at 12 PM at home at Amy S Harrison Field.