CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. — The Highlanders jumped out to an early lead Saturday morning at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic, highlighted by timely hitting and aggressive baserunning, but ultimately fell to Nevada, 10-2, at Big League Dreams.

The Highlanders wasted no time setting the tone in the first inning. Aubrey Marx singled to open the game and later came around to score on a Kayla Penor RBI double to left-center. Haley Saole, who was hit by a pitch earlier in the frame, crossed the plate moments later on a Leilani Juan sacrifice fly to give UC Riverside a 2-0 advantage.

Marx led the offense with a 2-for-2 performance and a walk, reaching base in all three of her plate appearances. Penor added a double and drove in a run, while Trendee Kahunahana also recorded a hit. The Highlanders totaled four hits and turned a double play defensively.

Nevada went on to score 10 runs to secure the win.

The Highlanders close out the Mary Nutter Classic on Sunday, Feb. 22, with a doubleheader beginning against Texas Tech before facing Utah.