TEMPE, Ariz. — The Highlanders opened play at the ASU/GCU Invitational on Thursday evening, falling to No. 14 Arizona State, 9-1, at Farrington Stadium.
The Highlanders collected three hits in the contest, highlighted by back-to-back singles in the fourth inning from Rebeca Cabezas and Arianna Saldivar. After Saldivar's base hit to deep center field moved Gabriella Garcia to third, Garcia later came home on a wild pitch to put UC Riverside on the board.
Eta Lauti recorded a single in the third inning for the Highlanders' first hit of the night. UC Riverside also drew two walks, including a leadoff free pass to Aubrey Marx in the first inning. Trendee Kahunahana added a sacrifice bunt in the fourth to move a runner into scoring position.
The Highlanders continue the tournament tomorrow, Friday, February 26th as they take on Eastern Illinois before facing off against UNLV.