RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The UC Riverside Highlanders opened its 2025 season with a doubleheader against Utah Tech at Amy S. Harrison Field on Friday, splitting the series with an 8-0 loss in game one before bouncing back for a 9-7 win in the second contest.

GAME ONE: Utah Tech 8, UC Riverside 0

UC Riverside opened the season with a tough challenge against Utah Tech, falling 8-0 in the first game of Friday's doubleheader at Amy S. Harrison Field. Despite strong efforts from the Highlanders' defense, timely hitting from the Trailblazers made the difference.

Pitcher Maddie Heinlin (0-1) battled through a complete game, recording three strikeouts and allowing just two walks across seven innings. Allysa Alano provided a bright spot at the plate, collecting both of UC Riverside's hits and showcasing her speed with a stolen base.

The game remained close through the early innings, with Utah Tech managing only single runs in the third and fourth frames. However, a three-run sixth and another three-run surge in the seventh helped the Trailblazers pull away.

Despite the outcome, the Highlanders displayed resilience, putting runners on base and challenging Utah Tech's defense.

GAME TWO: UC Riverside 9, Utah Tech 7

UC Riverside rebounded in game two, outlasting Utah Tech 9-7 behind a 15-hit offensive explosion.
Jackie Alday led the charge, going 2-for-2 with three RBIs, while Haley Saole also drove in three runs with a pair of hits. Kamryn Davis and Trendee Kahunahana each collected three hits in the win.

After Utah Tech jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning, UC Riverside responded with a run in the bottom half before plating three in the second to bring the score to 4-5. The Trailblazers expanded the lead with two in the third, but UC Riverside answered again with two in the fourth and another in the fifth to create a 7-7 tie.

With the game still in the balance, the Highlanders tacked on two insurance runs in the sixth on RBI doubles from Saole and Eta Lauti to extend the lead to 9-7.
Reagan Everett (1-0) was stellar in relief, tossing 4.2 shutout innings while allowing just four hits with one strikeout to secure the win.

FROM COACH MATTA

"This win felt special" said coach Brittney Matta. "The team showed extreme amounts of fight today with the opportunities they were given. They really bounced back after game one and played a style of ball that is going to keep people coming back. They committed to the plan and it paid off. I am excited to see the growth of this team as the season progresses. I am a proud coach!"

UP NEXT
UC Riverside (1-1) will look to build on its offensive momentum as they take on Army for a doubleheader tomorrow, February 8^th with first pitch set for 11am.