Santa Barbara, Calif. – The UC Santa Barbara team dropped its series opener against the UC San Diego Tritons with a 5-1 loss. 

UCSD took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning after two Tritons notched hits down the left field line.

The first at-bat for the Gauchos was senior Maci Fines who came off a 2-2 count with a deep double to center field, registering her eighth of the season and setting a new career high. 

Both teams were held scoreless in the second, but the Tritons tallied another run in the third, moving the score to 3-0. 

The top of the fourth saw a pitching change for UCSB as junior Lexy Mills came in to relieve Camryn Snyder in the circle. Mills went on to pitch a full three innings, allowing one run and two hits while striking out four and walking two. 

Sophomore Madelyn McNally was responsible for Santa Barbara's second hit of the day as she singled through the left side. In true McNally fashion, she quickly stole second – her seventh stolen base of the year. Although in scoring position, the Gauchos weren't able to put up a run.

Santa Barbara entered the top of the seventh with the score 5-0. Mills led off for her team and notched a few firsts as a Gaucho – recording her first hit, stolen base, and run. The Kansas transfer singled up the left side and went on to steal second as Tyler Goldstein was at bat. 

It was junior Sam Denehy who brought Mills across the plate, recording her second RBI of the season and moving the score to 5-1. Unfortunately, the game would end on the next play and leave the Gauchos with the loss.

Next Up
The Gauchos will play a doubleheader against UC San Diego tomorrow to end the series.