RIVERSIDE, Calif. - The University of California, Riverside (UCR) softball team took the field today looking focused and determined to get a win at Amy S Harrison Field, on the last day and game of a two-day, three-game series against the Dixie State University (DSU) Trailblazers.

In the first inning, the Highlanders came out swinging, producing two singles and a double which sent two UC Riverside runners across the plate for an early 2-0 lead. 

Dixie State answered back in the second inning, loading the bases with no outs before the Highlanders gave up two more hits, subsequently bringing in two Trailblazer runs to tie the game up, 2-2. After Coach Bristow made a pitching change, relieving starter Megan Casper with Chrys Hildebrand, DSU sent three more runs home and took a 5-2 lead.  

Dixie State added another run in the top of the fifth before the Highlanders got their bats going again in the bottom of the inning. UC Riverside brought in two runs off a Dixie State error, but left two runners stranded on base by the time DSU got the third out of the inning. It proved to be the difference in a 6-4 victory and completed the three-game sweep for the Trailblazers.

After the game, Head Coach Nikki Palmer said "I thought the team did a nice job putting a lot of adjustments together after yesterday's lessons. We had some really bright moments and some of our student-athletes stepped up in big moments."

As for her thoughts on the young season, Coach Palmer added "I love the direction we are headed and what we are able to do with such little preparation time." 

Next up for the Highlanders is a doubleheader on Wednesday, March 10 when UCR hosts Utah Valley at Amy S. Harrison Field with first pitch scheduled for 12 PM.