RIVERSIDE, Calif. - Lauryn Garewal went 2 for 3 with an RBI and Max Ortega added two runs, but UC Riverside fell 4-3 in 10 innings on Wednesday in the Crosstown Showdown at Amy S. Harrison Field.
UCR struck first with an RBI single from Gigi Araki in the second inning, but found themselves playing catchup for the second straight game after a two-run third from the Lancers.
Back-to-back sacrifice flies pulled the Highlanders even in the fourth inning, with Ortega scoring the first and final runs of the game for UC Riverside. The Columbia transfer doubled down the right field line on a 2-2 pitch after Haylee Kela led off the inning with a single up the middle.
Ortega has now reached base in each of her first five games as a Highlander, along with Kela upon her return to the dugout. Kela also extended her hitting streak to five to start the season.
UC Riverside threatened in the bottom of the 10th with Kela singling on a 2-0 pitch to move Moana Pisia over to third, but two quick outs for the Lancers ended the game.
The Highlanders will travel to San Diego this weekend to partake in the USD Tournament, joining Oregon State, Iowa, South Dakota State and the host Toreros.
